C.J. Ranasinghe v Commander of Sri Lanka Navy et al – CA WRIT/313/2021-2021

In the case between C.J. Ranasinghe, Leading Seaman, Sri Lanka Navy (Petitioner), and the Commander of Sri Lanka Navy & Others (Respondents), the court addressed issues concerning alleged procedural errors in a naval summary trial, specifically regarding the recording of the Petitioner’s plea and denial of legal representation. The court held that preliminary objections relating to the writ jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal, especially in light of the President’s affirmation of the conviction under section 122 of the Navy Act and the constitutional immunity provided by Article 35(1), are to be resolved at the final hearing. The principle reaffirmed is that courts must ensure legal remedies are considered even where presidential acts are involved, subject to constitutional constraints. Th