M. Weerasinghe et al. vs P.S.M Charles et al. – SC FR 181/2016-2020

In the case between M. Weerasinghe, D.G.A Wijebandara, R.K.M Dayananda, and N.P.G. Karunathilaka (Petitioners) and representatives of Sri Lanka Customs, the Public Service Commission, and related government bodies (Respondents), the Supreme Court addressed whether Customs officers’ promotions were made in accordance with required procedure and whether the Petitioners’ non-promotion constituted a violation of their rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The application was dismissed, as it was determined that proper procedures—including advertisement, interviews, and selection by seniority—were followed, and that non-application for promotion precluded a finding of constitutional violation. The principle reaffirmed was that equal protection does not extend to individuals who fail t