L.J.K. Hettiarachchi and H.G. Fonseka v. Pearl Weerasinghe et al. – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 280/2012-2017

In the case between L.J.K. Hettiarachchi and H.G. Fonseka (petitioners, former directors/chairman of Walker Son and Company Ltd.) and Pearl Weerasinghe (Commissioner General of Labour) and others (respondents), the court addressed whether Labour authorities could lawfully review or reopen their own determination concerning gratuity payments after a decision had been made, and whether such action was permissible absent a final, perfected decision. The court held that, prior to the filing of a certificate in the Magistrate’s Court (which renders the determination final and enforceable), Labour authorities retain discretion to reopen or continue inquiries to ensure proper and fair determination of the issues, especially where factual and evidentiary matters remain unresolved. This holding rea