Sarana Seva (Private) Limited vs Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment et al. – CA WRIT APPLICATION NO. 456/2023-2023

In the case between Sarana Seva (Private) Limited and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, among others, the court addressed the issue of the petitioner’s application for a writ of certiorari under Article 140 of the Constitution, challenging the enforcement of a specific circular. Upon consideration, it was held that a prima facie case had been established necessitating further proceedings, but interim relief was not granted as it could potentially amount to granting final relief at this stage. The principle reaffirmed is that interim relief should not be awarded if it pre-judges the substantive matter. The decision is grounded in principles of constitutional and administrative law, emphasizing that interim remedies must not encroach upon the ultimate relief sought in the petition.