Charlis Silva v. Ariyadasa – sllr 1983 volume 2 page 298

In the case between Charlis Silva and Ariyadasa, the court addressed the validity of a general Power of Attorney executed by the dependants of the deceased workman, M. P. Piyadasa de Silva, and whether it empowered the applicant to institute proceedings before the Commissioner of Workmen’s Compensation. It was determined that the Power of Attorney did not authorize the initiation of such proceedings, particularly since one executant was a minor whose execution was therefore invalid. The role of the Commissioner was clarified, noting that, although the office exercises some powers similar to a civil court, it is not a civil court under the relevant statutory framework. The appointment of a legal representative for the minor was upheld as valid, and the presumption of legitimacy regarding th