C.J. Ranasinghe vs Commander of Sri Lanka Navy – 313/2021-2023

In the case between C.J. Ranasinghe (Plaintiff), a Leading Seaman of the Sri Lanka Navy, and a group of naval officers including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy (1st Respondent) and others (Defendants), the court addressed alleged violations of procedural fairness and breaches of natural justice during a military Summary Trial. It was determined that the process failed to adhere to fundamental legal standards, including the service of a proper charge sheet, allotment of adequate time for defence, and the right to choose a defending officer. The holding established that such procedural irregularities rendered the Summary Trial ultra vires and null, reaffirming the principle that military proceedings are subject to judicial review and must observe natural justice. The decision relied on