SC grants leave to proceed with petition on school admission

The Supreme Court granted leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights violation petition filed against Galle Southlands College for impugned refusal to select an aggrieved Christian (Non Roman Catholic) child to Grade 1, despite it being started in 1885 by the Methodist Mission.

The Bench comprising Chief Justice Priyasath Dep and Justice Anil Gooneratne granted leave for the alleged infringement of child’s fundamental right to equality and fixed the matter for argument on 9 October.

The petition was filed by the aggrieved child N.V. Nadevni Dilesha and her father Nabadava Vithanage Sumithra.

They cited the Principal Sandhya Airani Pathiranawasam, Galle Zonal Director of Education, Director National Schools, Education Ministry Secretary, Attorney General and other as Respondents.

M. Ganeshwaran with Vijitha de Alwis appeared for the Petitioners. Senior State Counsel Rajiv Goonatilake appeared for the Attorney General.

Petitioners state that the Galle Southern College is the only Non-Roman Catholic Christian school in the Galle District where religious education for Non-Roman Catholic Christian students is available on a religious basis and where Christian children are admitted on the basis of their religion.

Petitioners allege the refusal to select his daughter for admission to Grade 1 is unreasonable, unlawful, contrary to the principle of natural justice. 

(SS)