PAM G Pinnawala v. Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama et al. – NO. 297/2013-2016

In the case between PAM G Pinnawala (Petitioner) and Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama and others (Respondents), the court addressed the issue of entitlement to compensation following a disabling injury sustained during the Petitioner’s service in the Sri Lanka Air Force. The Petitioner, who suffered an above-knee amputation, claimed compensation at the level prescribed for “permanent total disablement” under Public Administration Circular No. 22/93, while the Respondents awarded compensation under “permanent partial disablement.” The court held that on the evidence, the correct classification was “permanent partial disablement,” and that entitlement must be calculated based on the Medical Board’s determination of a 75% loss of earning capacity. The principle reaffirmed is that eligibility f