D.M. U.N. Dissanayake v. D.C.J. Weerakoon and others – CA WRIT 124/2015-2017

The case between D.M.U.N. Dissanayake, P.M.M. Madushanka, W.S.M.A.R. Bandara (petitioners) and D.C.J. Weerakoon, Air Commodore, Sri Lanka Air Force Base, and others (respondents) addressed the lawfulness of the petitioners’ termination from the Sri Lanka Air Force following their convictions for identity card fraud. It was held that the Commander of the Air Force was empowered under section 43 of the Air Force Act and relevant Air Force Regulations to discharge the petitioners for the administrative reason that their services were “no longer required,” rather than as punitive action. The holding reaffirmed the principle that administrative discharge following a disciplinary conviction does not constitute double jeopardy and is lawfully within the Commander’s discretion. The decision relied