A. M. Chaminda Sudath Siriwardana et al. vs. Pradeshiya Sanwardhana Bank et al. – CA 388/2016-2016

In the case between A. M. Chaminda Sudath Siriwardana, R.M.C. Jayalal Rathnayaka, and R.M. Sumith Sudarshana (Petitioners) and Pradeshiya Sanwardhana Bank and others (Respondents), the court addressed the lawfulness of the Bank’s decision to suspend the Petitioners and conduct a disciplinary investigation. It was held that the subsequent investigation into gold jewelry pawned during 2011–2013 did not constitute double jeopardy, nor was it mala fide, as the subject matter was distinct from prior proceedings. The principle reaffirmed was that an employer retains the right to investigate alleged employee misconduct whenever discovered, provided it arises from new facts. The decision relied on principles of employment law and the evidentiary distinction between separate instances of alleged mi