Sumanasiri v. University of Peradeniya and Others – sllr 2000 volume 1 page 213

In the case between Sumansiri (petitioner) and the University of Peradeniya and others (including the 23rd respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether the appointment of the 23rd respondent as Registrar—despite evidence of a falsely claimed qualification—violated the petitioner’s fundamental rights under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. It was held that the decision to appoint the 23rd respondent was arbitrary and unreasonable, constituting a violation of the principles of natural justice and equality before the law. The court reaffirmed that public institutions are obligated to ensure transparency and fairness in recruitment processes, especially where discrepancies in qualifications arise. The decision was grounded in constitutional protections and procedural safeguards, emph