Amah Shakkya Kariyawasam vs General Sir Kotelawala Defence University et al. – CA WRT/477/21-2023

In the case between Amah Shakkya Kariyawasam (Petitioner) and The General Sir Kotelawala Defence University and others (Respondents), the court addressed the lawfulness of the Petitioner’s termination from the MBBS Degree Programme at KDU following repeated failures to pass the Second MBBS examinations within the scheduled attempts. It was held that the termination was lawful as the regulations in the applicable handbook governed the Petitioner’s academic progression, and the discretionary powers exercised by the Respondents in refusing further chances did not give rise to a mandatory legal duty enforceable by writ of Mandamus. Established legal principles regarding university autonomy and judicial review of academic decisions were reaffirmed. The decision underscores that discretionary ac