Rekadahena Plantation (Private) Limited vs. S. Kariyawasam and Others – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO 0305/2019-2022

In the case between Rekadahena Plantation (Private) Limited and respondents including S. Kariyawasam (Arbitrator), officials from the Ministry and Department of Labour, Lanka Estate Staffs’ Union, and Anura Wasantha Adihetti, the court addressed whether an arbitrator, acting under the Industrial Disputes Act, was empowered to grant compensation for mental injury and property damage arising from alleged improper ejectment of an employee. The holding affirmed that such awards, when based on broad arbitral jurisdiction and legal authority granted by section 17(1) of the Industrial Disputes Act, are valid, and that procedural or factual objections on reference and preliminary orders must be raised in a timely manner. The decision reaffirmed that arbitral powers under the Act encompass equitabl