R.M. Karunarathna Vs. Uva Provincial Council and 11 Others – CA PHC/43/13-2022

In the case between R.M. Karunarathna (Appellant) and the Uva Provincial Council and others (Respondents), the court addressed the lawfulness of the Appellant’s dismissal from service due to not possessing the stipulated minimum educational qualifications. It was held that the dismissal was justified, as the Appellant failed to meet the required qualifications and did not provide an adequate explanation for the significant delay in seeking judicial review. The principle reaffirmed is that judicial remedies are available only to those who act promptly and demonstrate diligence in pursuing legal redress. The decision was based on the clear establishment of qualification requirements and prolonged delays unexplained by the Appellant, with reference to procedural standards and the necessity fo