Dr. Vickrambahu Karunarathne vs. Prof. A. Senaratne and others – SC F.R. APPLICATION 308/2013-2014

In the case between Dr. Vickrambahu Karunarathne and officials of the University of Peradeniya, including Prof. A. Senaratne (Vice-Chancellor) and Prof. Shantha K. Hennayake (Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Acting)), the issue considered was whether the petitioner was entitled to retirement benefits following his resignation and subsequent administrative actions. It was held that the petitioner’s claim could not be entertained due to non-compliance with statutory requirements and an inordinate delay of 12 years in seeking redress. The decision reaffirmed that claims under Article 126 of the Constitution must be made within the prescribed time limits and that eligibility for retirement benefits depends on strict adherence to governing statutes, such as Act No. 16 of 1978. The ruling clarified that