Ramupillai v. Festus Perera – sllr 1991 volume 1 page 011

In the case between Ramuppillai (Superintendent of Customs) and Festus Perera, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Home Affairs (and others), the court addressed the constitutionality of the application of an ethnic quota system to promotions in the Public Service, specifically under Public Administration Circulars No. 15/90 and related issuances. It was held that the imposition of ethnic quotas in the promotion process violates the fundamental right to equality protected by Article 12 of the Constitution. The decision reaffirmed the principle that public service appointments and promotions must be based on individual merit and seniority, without classification or preference based on ethnicity, once officers have entered the common class of service. The court emphasi