University of Peradeniya vs Maithree Wickramasinghe PC, Chairman‚ University Services Appeal Board and others – CA Writ 0588 / 2024-2025

In the matter of The University of Peradeniya (Petitioner) and the University Services Appeals Board (USAB) and R.G.S. R Rajapaksha (4th Respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether the USAB acted ultra vires its statutory powers under Section 86 of the Universities Act by quashing a vacation of post letter and granting reliefs not explicitly requested by the 4th Respondent in his appeal. The court held that the USAB exceeded its authority, reaffirming the principle that the USAB’s jurisdiction is confined to considering appeals against dismissals or punishments, not conducting investigations or granting unclaimed reliefs. This decision relied on Section 86 of the Universities Act, emphasizing that an administrative body’s actions beyond its statutory mandate are void ab initio.