Sawunda Marikkala Damith de Silva & Sawunda Marikkala Thenuk Sanmitha de Silva vs. Akila Viraj Kariyawawsam & Others – SCFR 58/15-2017

In the case between Sawunda Marikkala Damith de Silva and Akila Viraj Kariyawawsam (Minister of Education), the court addressed the issue of alleged discriminatory treatment and violation of fundamental rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution regarding Grade 1 school admissions. It was determined that the deduction of marks from the 2nd petitioner during the admission interview at Dharmashoka Vidyalaya was justified and not discriminatory. The principle reaffirmed is that decisions made in accordance with prescribed admission criteria, when supported by documentary evidence and relevant case law, do not constitute a breach of equal treatment under Article 12(1). The court relied on admission circulars, policy documents, and previous judgments to emphasize that admission processes co