Nadarajah Kumarasivam et al. vs W. Karunajeewa et al. – CA 622/2010-2014

In the case between Nadarajah Kumarasivam and others (former Co-operative Bank employees) and W. Karunajeewa, K. H. L. Chandrasiri, and People’s Bank, the court addressed whether a Writ of Mandamus could compel the implementation of a Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka recommendation regarding employment status and benefits following the Petitioners’ absorption into People’s Bank. It was held that the writ cannot issue to enforce such recommendations, reaffirming the principle that a Mandamus requires a clear legal right and obligation not found in this case. The decision relied on statutory interpretation of the People’s Bank Act, relevant writ jurisprudence, and the Human Rights Commission Act, emphasizing that writ jurisdiction does not extend to matters of contract or to recommendati