China Harbour Engineering Company (Lanka) Limited vs B. K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi – CA WRIT 464/2021-2024

In the case between China Harbour Engineering Company (Lanka) Limited and B. K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi (Commissioner General of Labour), P. L. S. Lekamge (Labour Officer), and several employees, the court considered whether the termination of the 3rd to 7th Respondents’ employment was covered under the Termination of Employment of Workmen (Special Provisions) Act No. 45 of 1971 (TEWA). The dispute centered on whether the employees’ departure constituted wrongful termination and if TEWA applied, given the alleged lack of disciplinary justification and formal notice. The proceedings revealed an absence of documented disciplinary proceedings and formal termination, leading to the Labour Department’s award of compensation under TEWA. The court held that TEWA was properly invoked, dismissing th