Pavithra Tharangi Illeperuma vs. Visakha Vidyalaya et al. – SC FR/204/2022-2022

In the case between Pavithra Tharangi Illeperuma (on behalf of Ayurda Lithuli Ganapriyan, Minor) and the Principal of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, and others, the court addressed the issue of whether the refusal to admit the petitioner’s daughter to Visakha Vidyalaya was arbitrary and in violation of the fundamental right to equality under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The court held that the rejection was arbitrary, irrational, and inconsistent with constitutional equality, ordering the petitioner’s child to be admitted within two weeks. It was reaffirmed that a purposive and flexible interpretation of the relevant Ministry of Education circulars must be applied, particularly regarding documentary proof of residence and allocation of marks, with literal readings set aside. The decisio