IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA In the matter of an application for mandates in the nature of a Writ of Certiorari, a Writ of Mandamus and Writ of Prohibition under Article 140 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

A. T. Muditha Sahandani No. 74/6, Tangalle Road, Devinuwara. PETITIONER C.A. Case No.WRT-286/20 Vs.

1. University Grants Commission

2. Prof. Sampath Amarathunge Chairman.

3. Prof. Janitha Liyanage

3A. Snr. Prof. Chandana P. Udawatte

4. Prof. A. K. W. Jayawardane

5. Prof. Vasanthy Arasaratnam

6. Prof. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangarakitha Thero

6A. Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula Thero

7. Prof. Premakumara de Silva

8. Mr. Palitha Kumarasinghe PC

9. Dr. Priyantha Premakumara

10. Mr. L. P. H. Waduge

10A.Mr. R. H. W. A. Kumarasiri

11. Prof. Mohan de Silva Former Chairman

12. Prof. P. S. M. Gunaratne

13. Prof. Hemantha Senanayake All are of University Grants Commission No 20, Ward Place, Colombo 07.

14. Prof. E. M. P. Ekanayake Vice Chancellor Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya.

15. Mr. K. G. Brito Registrar, Sri Jayawardenapura University Nugegoda.

16. Ms. Y. A. A. Abeysinghe

17. Ms. Tinesha S, Nanayakkara

18. Ms. G. N. P. Mallika

19. Mr. E. G. Ajith Dammika

20. Ms. C. D. Amarathunga

21. Mr. Wijayarathe, T. D. A. M.

22. Ms. M. P. G. Silva

23. Ms. Kahawela, K. H. W. K. G.

24. Ms. Lakmali, K. G. I.

25. Ms. Jayaweere, R. K. H. A.

26. Ms. Sarojinidevi, T.

27. Mr. Janaka Ranjana, S. M.

28. Ms. Bandara, R. M. D. M.

29. Ms. Wijethungaarachchi, I. U.

30. Mr. Sivarash, S.

31. Ms. Fouzena, M. T.

32. Mr. Arulkumaran, M.

33. Ms. Abeysinghe, H. K. I. P.

34. Ms. Ranasinghe, E. H. M. 35. Ms. Meddage, M. D. N. K.

36. Mr. Hisnathas, A.

37. Ms. Chathurika, P. D. S.

38. Mr. Sawanawadu, D. S. R. C.

39. Ms. Wijerathne, G. W. N. R.

40. Mr. Basnagala, E.

All of C/O, the Secretary, University Grants Commission No 20, Ward Place, Colombo 07.

41. Ms. Senani Kalugama Registrar, University of Ruhuna, Wellamadama, Matara.

42. University Services Appeals Board

43. Palitha Fernando, PC

43A.Mr. Maithri Evan Wickramasinghe PC

44. Neville Aberathne, PC

44A.Snr. Prof. W. G. D. Dharmaratne

45. Dr. (Mrs) Neela Gunasekara

45A.Mr. Sugath Caldera

42nd to 45th of No. 20, Ward Place, Colombo 07.

RESPONDENTS BEFORE : M. SAMPATH K. B. WIJERATNE, J WICKUM A. KALUARACHCHI, J COUNSEL : K. G. Jinasena for the Petitioner.

Nayomi Kahawita, SSC for the Respondents.

ARGUED ON : 07.07.2023 DECIDED ON : 08.08.2023 WICKUM A. KALUARACHCHI, J.

The petitioner, who was employed as a Management Assistant (Grade-III) of the Ruhuna University, applied for the post of Assistant Registrar/Assistant Secretary of the University Grant Commission (hereinafter referred to as the "UGC"). The petitioner has been called for a written examination, and the Secretary of the UGC, by his letter dated 13^th June 2018 informed the petitioner that she had been successful at the written examination. The petitioner had obtained 173 marks at the written examination, as per the examination results sheet marked P-8 with the petition. Thereafter, the petitioner has been called for an interview by the letter dated 06^th July 2018 marked P-9. In the said letter, it is stated that the marking scheme for the structured interview is attached to the letter as Annex-1. It is also stated in P-9 that as per the scheme of recruitment, a minimum of 40% marks should be obtained in order to consider for an appointment. According to the marks sheet of the interview (P-18), the petitioner obtained 33.65%, and thus she was informed that she is unsuccessful at the interview. Subsequently, the petitioner filed an appeal before the University Services Appeals Board (hereinafter referred to as "USAB") praying to set aside the decision made by the 1st respondent, UGC to appoint the 12th to 18th or any other applicants as Assistant Registrars and to appoint the petitioner as an Assistant Registrar/Assistant Secretary. After considering the application, as it transpires from the decision marked P-24, the USA