SC grants leave to proceed in case challenging gender-based recruitment for Station Master posts

Saturday, 12 July 2025 00:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by two women, challenging the Sri Lanka Railway Department’s decision to limit applications for Station Master positions to male candidates only.

Leave to proceed was granted in terms of Articles 12(1), 12(2), and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution by a three-judge bench comprising Justices A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Priyantha Fernando and Sampath Wijeratne.

Petitioners Ayeshani Jayawardena and S. Vidusha are contesting the legality of a Gazette notification issued on 13 June 2025, which invited applications for 106 Station Master vacancies, but stipulated that only males were eligible.

Appearing for the petitioners, Counsel Nuwan Bopege argued that the discriminatory gender clause listed under “other qualifications” was unconstitutional and violated the petitioners’ rights under Articles 12(1), 12(2), and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law, protection against gender-based discrimination and the freedom to engage in any lawful occupation.

The case was fixed for argument on 27 August 2025.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.