A.V. Gunarathna vs Dr D.A.B. Dangalle et al – CA PHC 244/2004-2022

In the case between A.V. Gunarathna (Appellant) and Dr. D.A.B. Dangalle, Dr. N. Edirisingha, and the District Medical Officer, Base Hospital, Embilipitiya (Respondents), the court addressed the entitlement of the Appellant to salary increments for 1996 and 1997 in light of the requirement to pass the Efficiency Bar Examination. The court held that, absent fulfillment of this statutory requirement, the increments could not be granted, reaffirming that compliance with qualifying examinations is a precondition under the Establishment Code for salary progression. This decision relied on administrative law principles concerning the limits of the Writ of Mandamus in public employment and statutory interpretation of promotion conditions, emphasizing that statutory requirements take precedence ove