K.G.A.Gamlath vs Administrative Appeals Tribunal – CA WRT/62/19-2023

The case between K.G.A.Gamlath Weerambu Gedara Kalugamuwa Kurunegala (Petitioner) and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Public Service Commission, and relevant authorities (Respondents) concerned the lawfulness of an Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) order that mitigated the petitioner’s dismissal and reinstated him under specific conditions. It was concluded that the AAT acted within its statutory jurisdiction when imposing conditions such as treating the period of absence as no pay leave, reducing salary increments, issuing a severe reprimand, and ordering departmental transfer. The principle reaffirmed was that judicial review is limited to assessing the legality of administrative action and does not extend to appellate power over the merits of the case. The decision relied upon