IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA In the matter of an application under and in terms of Article 17 and 126 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

1. Jayasingha Arachchige Shermila Priyadarshani Silva, No. 261/B, Kamaragoda, Dewalapola.

2. Jayasingha Arachchige Pasindu Hirushan Silva, No. 261/B, Kamaragoda, Dewalapola. Petitioners SC FR Application No: 216/2020 Vs.

1. University Grants Commission, 20, Ward Place, Colombo 07.

2. Snr. Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, Chairman, University Grants Commission, 20, Ward Place, Colombo 07.

2A. Snr. Prof. Kapila Seneviratne, Chairman, University Grants Commission, 20, Ward Place, Colombo 07.

3. Snr. Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, Vice Chancellor (Acting), University of Sri Jayawardenepura.

4. Prof. P.D. Nimal, Dean - Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, Gangodawila, Nugegoda.

5. Hon. Attorney General, The Attorney General’s Department, Colombo 12.

6A. Prof. H.D. Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo, College House 94, Kumaratunga Munidasa Mw, Colombo 03.

7A. Prof. Thampoe Mangaleswaran, Vice Chancellor, University of Vavuniya, Pampaimadu, Vavuniya.

8A. Prof. V. Kanagasingam, Vice Chancellor, Eastern University, Vantharumoolai, Trincomalee Highway, Chenkalady.

9A. Prof. Sivakolundu Srisatkunarajah, Vice Chancellor, University of Jaffna, Thirunelvely, Jaffna.

10A. Prof. Nianthi De Silva, Vice Chancellor, University of Kelaniya, Kandy Road, Dalugama, Kelaniya.

11A. Prof. N.D. Gunawardena, Vice Chancellor, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda, Moratuwa.

12A. Prof. M.D. Lamawansa, Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya.

13A. Prof. G.A.S. Ginigaddara, Vice Chancellor, Rajarata University, Mihintale.

14A. Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena, Vice Chancellor, University of Ruhuna, Wellamadama Complex, Matara.

15A. Prof. P.M.C. Thilakerathne, Vice Chancellor, Open University, Nawala, Nugegoda.

16A. Prof. R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayake, Vice Chancellor, University of Sabaragamuwa, Belihuloya, Balangoda.

16B. Prof. M. Sunil Shantha, Vice Chancellor, University of Sabaragamuwa, Belihuloya, Balangoda.

17A. Prof. (Dr). A. Rameez, Vice Chancellor, South Eastern University, University Park, Oluvil.

18A. Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, Vice Chancellor, University of Uva Wellassa, Passara Road, Badulla.

19A. Prof. Rohanlal Pandukabhaya Mahaliyanaarachchi, Vice Chancellor, University of Visual and Performing Arts, 21, Albert Crescent, Colombo 07.

19B. Prof. Rohan Nethsinghe, Vice Chancellor, University of Visual and Performing Arts, 21, Albert Crescent, Colombo 07.

20A. Prof. Udith K. Jayasinghe, Vice Chancellor, University of Wayamba, Lionel Jayathilaka Mawatha, Kuliyapitiya.

21A. Prof. Ranjana W. Seneviratne, Vice Chancellor, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University, Kandy Road, Yakkala.

22A. Dr. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education, Isurupaya, Battaramulla.

22B. Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Education, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education (Higher Education Division)

No. 18, Ward Place, Colombo 07.

23A. C.D. Wickremarathne, Inspector General of Police, Office of the Inspector General of Police, Police Headquarters, Church Street, Colombo 01.

23B. Snr. DIG Priyantha Weerasooriya, Inspector General of Police (Acting), Office of the Inspector General of Police, Police Headquarters, Church Street, Colombo 01.

Respondents Before: Justice A.L. Shiran Gooneratne Justice K. Priyantha Fernando Justice Sobhitha Rajakaruna Counsel: Shavindra Fernando, PC with Mirthula Skandarajah for the Petitioners.

Dr. Avanthi Perera, DSG for the 1st to 5th Respondents and

22B and 23B Added Respondents Hiran De Alwis with Randhini Fernando for the 6A Added Respondent Manoja Gunawardana for the 7A, 13A and 20A Added Respondents K. Subakar instructed by T. Thivagar for the 9A Added Respondent S.N. Vijith Singh with M.C.M. Nawaz for the 17A Added Respondent Chathura Galhena with Dharani Weerasinghe instructed by Devmini Bulegoda for the 8A, 11A, 15A, 16A, 19A