Tussle over post of principal goes to SC

A dispute over the post of principal at Malabe Sri Rahula Balika Vidyalaya has gone to the Supreme Court with a petitioner in a fundamental rights case alleging that a candidate who scored less than her at the interview has been given the job.

In this case, to be taken up for hearing on November 6, Srimaithi Piyaseeli Jayaratne, who has served in the principal service for 15 years, has cited Western Province Education Secretary S.T. Koddikara, Deputy Secretary E.J.A.P Karunadasa, Provincial Education Director M.P. Illapperruma, Assistant Director L M Inser, Principal C.K. Wickramarachchi and the Attorney General, among others, as respondents.

Ms. Jayaratne in her petition says she responded to an advertisement for the post of principal and was interviewed by a panel consisting of the Provincial Education Secretary Kodikara and Assistant Education Director Inser.

She says that after a long wait for a response from the interview panel, she made inquiries and found out that the post has been given to Ms. Wickramarachchi, the sixth respondent in the case.

Ms. Jayaratne claims that the appointment of Ms. Wickramarachchi who has scored fewer marks than her was a violation of her fundamental rights.

She requests the court to stay the appointment of Ms. Wickramarachchi until the court delivers its judgment.

President’s Counsel Ali Sabry appeared for Ms. Jayaratne.