Peoples’ Bank vs H.L. Ariyapala – SC APPEAL NO. 33/2012-2014

In the case between People’s Bank and the Branch Manager of the Bank, the Court addressed the lawfulness of the Branch Manager’s termination due to alleged misconduct related to the granting of overdraft facilities and violations of bank circulars. It was determined that the Labour Tribunal and High Court presented conflicting findings, especially regarding the sufficiency of evidence for certain charges and the scope of awarding pension rights not explicitly pleaded in the initial application. Upon review, the Court held that the termination was unlawful and unjustified, awarding back wages up to retirement and permitting pension rights if the applicant met the required criteria. The decision reaffirmed the principle that tribunal jurisdiction may extend to matters consequential to the is