Kankanam Hewage Prageeth Maduranga Pemachandra vs. The Manager, Divithura Watta, and Elpitiya Plantations PLC – CA PHC 191/2017-2023

In the case between Kankanam Hewage Prageeth Maduranga Pemachandra (Applicant) and The Manager, Divithura Watta, Eathkadura, and Elpitiya Plantations PLC (Respondents), the court considered whether the Court of Appeal possessed jurisdiction to hear an appeal arising from an order of the Provincial High Court under the Industrial Disputes Act. It was held that the Industrial Disputes Act, together with Article 154P of the Constitution and specific statutory provisions, mandates that appeals from the Provincial High Court in labour matters must be directed to the Supreme Court with leave, and not to the Court of Appeal. The decision was grounded on statutory interpretation and precedential authority, reinforcing that appellate jurisdiction in these circumstances is confined to the avenue exp