Samantha et al. vs. Air Marshal Jayampthi et al. – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO: 155/2018-2021

In the case between Atantikitha Pathiranage Samantha and others (Petitioners, all non-commissioned officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force) and the Commander, Sri Lanka Air Force & Others (Respondents), the Court addressed the issue of whether the decision by the Sri Lanka Air Force to withhold or curtail retirement benefits—originally promised under the Command Benevolent Fund—was arbitrary and unreasonable, and whether the Petitioners were entitled to a Writ of Mandamus compelling payment of the full benefits as earlier promised. It was held that the Air Force Command Benevolent Fund, created and administered under Air Force Order 850, had a clear public/statutory character, thus bringing Respondents’ actions within the scope of judicial review. The decision to substantially reduce retiremen