Christobuge Chrishan Hilary Srikith Fernando vs National Water Supply and Drainage Board et al. – SC FR/498/2011-2011

In the case between Christobuge Chrishan Hilary Srikith Fernando (Petitioner) and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, including its senior officials and the Attorney General (Respondents), the court addressed whether the non-appointment of the Petitioner to the post of Deputy General Manager (Commercial) violated the constitutional rights protected under Articles 12(1) and 14(1)(g). The core issue involved the interpretation and strict application of a recruitment prerequisite requiring a Master of Business Administration, and whether an equivalent postgraduate degree sufficed. It was determined that, despite the Petitioner achieving the highest marks at interview and holding post-graduate qualifications in public management, the Board’s rigid adherence to the stipulated qualific