IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA In the matter of an application for writs of Mandamus and Certiorari in terms of Article 140 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

R. V. S. P. Rajapaksha, 206 C/ 05, Tiverton Road, Peradeniya.

Petitioner C.A. Writ Application No: 510/2021 Vs.

1. University of Peradeniya Peradeniya.

2. Prof. M. D. Lamawansa Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

3. Prof. W. M. T. Madhujith Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

4. Prof. D. K. N. G. Pushpakumara Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

4A. Prof. K. A. S. S. Kodithuwakku Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

5. Dr. M. A. J. C. Marasinghe Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

5A. Prof. M. D. M. L. D. K. Yatawara Dean, Faculty of applied Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

6. Dr. E. M. P. C. S. Ekanayake Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

7. Prof. A. M. Atygalla Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

8. Prof. G. B. B. Herath Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

8A.Dr. U. I. Dissanayake Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

9. Prof. E. M. A. S. B. Ekanayake Dean, Faculty of Management, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

10. Prof. M. V. G. Printo Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

11. Prof. S. R. Kodituwakku Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

11A.Prof. R. G. S. E. Rajapakshe Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

12. Dr. D. M. S. Munasinghe Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

12A.Prof. P. G. A. Pushpakumara Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

13. Prof. C. S. Wickramagamage Senate Representative, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

14. Prof. R. G. S. C. Rajapakse Senate Representative, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

14A.Prof. B. M. H. S. K. Banneheka Senate Representative, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

15. Ven. Niyangoda Wijithasiri

16. Prof. G. H. Pieris

16A.Prof. K. Gunawardana

17. Prof. N. A. D. S. Amaratunga

18. Dr. N. D. Samarawicrama

18A.Mr. Saliya Dharmawardhana

19. Dr. Sardha Hemapriya 20. Mr. S. Ratwarththa PC

21. Mr. J. C. Warnakula

22. Dr. Siril Wijesundara

23. Mr. Nihal Rupasinghe 24. Mr. U. C. Kirindigoda, 25. Mr. Prasanna Goonatilleke 26. Dr. D. M. R. B. Dissanayake

26A.Snr. Professor Lakshman Dissanayake

27. Mr. G. S. J. Dissanayake 28. Mr. Mahendra Wijepala All are Council Members Peradeniya University, Peradeniya.

29. Mrs. M. J. Dharmasiri Deputy Registrar (Acting Registrar, Ex-officio Secretary of the Council, General Services Division, University of Peradeniya. 30. Prof. S. B. Weerakoon Chairman, Preliminary Investigation Committee, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya. 31. The Attorney General Attorney General’s Department, Colombo 12. Respondents

32. Dr. D. M. D. V. Jayampathi

33. Mr. Prabath Sahabandu 34. Mr. Mohan Weerakoon

35. Dr. R. H. S. Samarathunga All are Council Members Peradeniya University, Peradeniya.

Added Respondents Before : Sobhitha Rajakaruna, J.

Dhammika Ganepola, J.

Counsel : Razik Zarook P. C. for the Petitioner.

Zuhri Zain D.S.G. with Nayomi Kahawita S.S.C. for the 1^st to

3^rd and 29^th to 31^st Respondents Manohara de Silva P. C. for the 4^th to 28^th Respondents.

Argued on : 19.07.2023, 20.09.2023.

Written Submissions: Petitioner : 15.09.2023 tendered on 1^st to 3^rd and 29^th to 31^st Respondents : 30.10.2023

4^th to 28^th Respondents : 27.11.2023 Decided on : 14.12.2023.

Dhammika Ganepola, J. Stance of the Petitioner The Petitioner in this case was appointed to the post of Registrar of the University of