Rear Admiral Dassanayake v. Chandrananda De Silva, Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Others – sllr 2000 volume 1 page 234

In the case between Rear Admiral Dassanayake (petitioner) and the Secretary, Ministry of Defence and the then Commander of the Navy (respondents), the court addressed the alleged violation of the petitioner’s fundamental rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution relating to the adjustment of seniority and confirmation of rank which led to his premature retirement. It was held that the respondents breached the petitioner’s rights, misapplied statutory codes, and failed to address his appeals fairly and promptly. The court reaffirmed the principle that administrative authorities must act in accordance with legal standards and past practices, particularly regarding seniority adjustments. The judgment relied on constitutional protections, highlighting the requirement of equal treatment an