K. T. T. Dewapriya Abeywardena vs Mr. K.W.E. Karaliyadda – SC FR APPLICATION NO 36/2020-2025

In the case between Reserve Assistant Superintendents of Police (Petitioners) and the National Police Commission, Inspector General of Police, and related state police entities (Respondents), the court addressed the legality of the petitioners’ reclassification from the Regular Police Cadre to a “Support Service” and whether such administrative action violated fundamental rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. It was held that the reclassification was arbitrary and unlawful, as it contradicted previous Cabinet undertakings and lacked a rational basis, infringing the principle of equality. The decision reaffirmed the requirement that classifications within public service must not be arbitrary and must maintain a reasonable nexus with their objectives, with reference to constitution