Rev. Saliya Ashokapura Nanda vs. University of Kelaniya – CA WRIT APPLICATION 593/2021-2024

In the case between Rev. Saliya Ashokapura Nanda (Petitioner) and the University of Kelaniya and others (Respondents), the court addressed whether disqualifying the petitioner for being “overqualified” (holding an M.Phil degree) constituted an unlawful and arbitrary deviation from the established marking scheme for Lecturer (Probationary) appointments. It was held that the selection committee’s reliance on overqualification as a ground for rejection was improper, as the council-approved marking scheme specifically allocated marks for higher academic achievements. The decision reaffirmed the principle that public authorities must abide by the established selection criteria and uphold procedural fairness and legitimate expectation. Reference was made to established precedents including De Sm