Dr. K.K.N.C. Premaratne vs. The University of Colombo and others – CA WRIT 0804/2008-2023

In the case between Dr. K.K.N.C. Premaratne (Medical Officer) and The University of Colombo and others, the court addressed the issue of judicial review over academic decisions, specifically, the PGIM’s decision to fail the petitioner in the clinical component of the Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine due to non-adherence to prospectus guidelines. It was held that issuing writs of certiorari and mandamus in the context of academic assessment where the result would remain unaltered, would be futile. The principle reaffirmed is that courts should exercise restraint in interfering with specialized academic determinations unless there is manifest illegality or procedural impropriety. Established case law and statutes on prerogative writs and legitimate expectation were relied on, emphasiz