Govinnage Wasanthi Padmalatha Perera vs. A. N. Guruge and others – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 01/2020-2023

In the case between Govinnage Wasanthi Padmalatha Perera (and others) and A. N. Guruge, Commissioner General of Inland Revenue (and others), the court addressed the legality of challenging promotions within the Inland Revenue Department, with particular reference to constitutional immunity attributed to the President under Article 35, and the judicial reviewability of executive actions pursuant to constitutional amendments. The court held that Article 35 provides immunity only to a sitting President and does not bar proceedings once the office is vacated, nor does it preclude judicial consideration of Cabinet actions or decisions involving other public officials. The ruling reaffirmed the principle that legal challenges may proceed against the Cabinet of Ministers for actions executed in t