Perera v. Attorney General – sllr 1985 volume 1 page 156

The case between Perera and the Attorney-General addressed whether a military officer’s commission, held “at pleasure” by the State, can be withdrawn without affording an opportunity to be heard, and whether such withdrawal breaches the principles of natural justice. The proceedings examined whether reinstatement or damages could be claimed following such dismissal under the statutory and constitutional framework governing Sri Lankan military appointments. It was held that, where an appointment is expressly “at pleasure,” no legal right to a hearing or enforceable contractual claim arises upon withdrawal of commission, affirming the principle that such appointments may be terminated at the absolute discretion of the State. Reliance was placed on the Army Act, constitutional provisions, and