Senadheerage Hesandu Dilsara vs. Upali Gunasekara and Others – CA WRIT/0440/2014-2021

In the case between Senadheerage Hesandu Dilsara (a minor, represented by his father, Senadheerage Sujeewa Rajaratne) and Upali Gunasekara (Principal, Royal College) along with other educational authorities, the court addressed whether the refusal by the Principal of Royal College to admit the Petitioner to Grade 1, in defiance of a direction from the Secretary, Ministry of Education, was lawful. It was held that the Secretary possessed lawful authority to direct such admission under the applicable circular, and the Principal’s non-compliance was found to be unjustified, warranting judicial intervention. The court reaffirmed that all necessary parties were properly cited, and no procedural or discretionary bars precluded relief. A writ of mandamus was issued, compelling admission of the Pe