Kusumawathie and Others v. Aitken Spence & Co., Ltd. and Another – sllr 1996 volume 2 page 018

Brief
In the case between Kusumawathie and others (workmen challenging their termination) and Aitken Spence & Co., Ltd. and another (including the Commissioner of Labour), the court addressed whether the Commissioner’s failure to give reasons when approving the termination of employment violated the principles of natural justice. It was determined that, while it is preferable for administrative authorities to provide reasons, there is no statutory or general common law obligation to do so unless specifically required by statute or necessary for judicial review. The court reaffirmed the principle that compliance with the statutory requirement of written notification suffices, provided that the inquiry report and supporting affidavit are available for judicial scrutiny. Reliance was placed