J.R. Hettiarachci et al. vs I. Vithanachchi et al. – SC FR APPLICATION NO. 41/2016-2016

In the case between the Petitioners (parents/guardians seeking Grade 1 admission for their children at K/Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Kandy) and the Respondents (including school authorities and the Ministry of Education), the court considered whether the use of residence distance to resolve a tie in admission marks complied with Circular P3 and constitutional guarantees. It was determined that the Respondents’ procedure—relying on an unofficial report rather than the prescribed circular—contravened the standard outlined in Circular P3 and violated Article 12(1) of the Constitution, which protects equal treatment. The decision reaffirmed that adherence to official circulars is required for fair admissions, and any deviation resulting in unequal treatment amounts to an infringement of constit