IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA In the matter of an Application for mandate in the nature of Writs of Certiorari and Mandamus under Article 140 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Dr. A M Jazeel

155, People’s Bank Road, Addalaichenai -02.

Petitioner CA/Writ/340/2020 Vs

1. Eastern University, Sri Lanka

2. Prof. F. C. Ragal Vice – Chancellor

2A. Prof. V. Kanagasingham Vice - Chancellor

3. Prof. V. Kanagasingham 3A. Prof. K. E Karunakaran 4. Dr. A. N. Arulpragasam

4A. Dr. T. Sathananthan 5. Prof. P. Peratheepan

5A. Prof. P. Vinobaba

6. Mr. M. Ravi

6A. Dr. V. Gunapalasinghem

7. Mrs. V. R. Ragel 7A. Dr. S. Jeyarajah

8. Dr. J. Kennedy

8A. Prof. (Mrs) C.G. Devadason

9. Dr. K. Premakumar 9A. P. Premanandarajah

10. Mr. S. Thedehanamoorthy

11. Mrs. K. Shanthrakumar

11A. Mr. T. Baskar

12. Prof. M Selvarajah

12A. Dr. (Mrs) Q. Y Soundararajah

13. Prof. Riyas Sulaima Lebbe

13A. Dr. K. Arulanandem

14. Dr. S. M. Hussain

15. Dr. H. R. Thabawita

15A. Prof. Riyas Sulaima Lebbe 16. Dr. Gunasinham Sukunan

16A. Prof. Nimal F. Perera

17. Mr. Seenithamby Mohanarajah

18. Mr. S. Thilagarajah

18A. Dr. Gadambanathan

19. Mr. S. Shanmugam

19A. Dr. M. A. R. Ajmal

20. Mr. P. Premanath

20A. Mr. G. Thanapalasundaram

21. Mr. T. Sivanathan

21A. Mr. B. Maria Sulojan

22. Mr. A. L. Joufer Sedique

22A. Mr. P.T. A. Hassan

23. Mr. Nadaraja Sivalingam

24. Ms. S. J. M. S. Samarakoon

25. Dr. C. Mukunthan

25A. Mr. N. Vimalaraj 26. Dr. C. Arulmoly

26A. Mr. K. Karunaharan

27. Mr. A Phirathan All of Eastern University, Sri Lanka Vantharumoolai, Chenkalady

28. University Grants Commission No. 20, Ward Place, Colombo 7.

Respondent – Respondents

29. Mr. R.M.P.S. Rathnayake

30. Dr. T. Mathiventhan

29^th and 30^th of Eastern University, Sri Lanka, Vantharumoolai, Chenkalady Added Respondents Before : Hon. M Sampath K. B. Wijeratne,J.(CA)

: Hon. M. Ahsan R. Marikar, J.(CA)

Counsels: K. G. Jinasena instructed by D. K. V. Jayanath for the Petitioner.

M. Gunathilake, ASG/PC with S. Dunuwille, SC for the State.

Argued on : 01.02.2024 Decided on : 15.03.2024 M. Ahsan R. Marikar, J. (CA)

Introduction

1) The Petitioner had filed this application against the Respondents, as the Respondents had failed to appoint him for the post of Senior Lecturer (Grade II) of the Department of Education.

2) On the said grounds the Petitioner had sought the following reliefs prayed for in the petition dated 17^th September 2020.

3) The reliefs sought by the petition are as follows;

a) Issue notice on the Respondents;

b) Grant and issue mandate in the nature of Writ of Certiorari to quash the decision made Selection Committee 1 of the 1st Respondent University to introduce having a minimum mark, in addition the qualifications stipulated by the 28^th Respondent UGC, for the eligible candidates who appear before the Selection Committees appointed by the University;

c) Grant and issue a mandate in the nature of Writ of Certiorari to quash the recommendations made by the Selection Committee that met on 24th August 2020 not to appoint the Petitioner as a Senior Lecturer (Grade II) of the Department Education and Childcare of the 1^st Respondent University;

d) Grant and issue mandate in the nature of Writ of Mandamus compelling the Council 1^st Respondent University of which 1^st to

24^th Respondents are members to appoint the Petitioner to the Post of Senior Lecturer (Grade II) of the Department of Education and Childcare of the 1st Respondent University;

e) Grant and issue an interim order preventing the 1st Respondent University to proceed further to conduct an interview to select a candidate or to make any appointment for a post a Lecturer (Probationary) of the Department of Education and Childcare until the final determination of this application;

f) Issue an order directing the 2^nd and the 27^th Respondents to tender the documents listed in P10 and P10A for the perusal of Your Lordships Court.

g) Grant the cost and for such other and further relief as to your Lordship’s Court shall seems meet.

Facts of