Sunil F.A. Cooray’s Principles of Administrative Law in Sri Lanka is a key, authoritative text covering the legal framework governing public authorities, focusing on judicial review, natural justice, and the control of discretionary powers. It addresses the, “duty of fairness” in administration,, proportionality, and, legitimate expectation as, core, principles.
Bar Association of Sri Lanka
Bar Association of Sri Lanka
+4
Key principles outlined in Cooray's work and reflected in Sri Lankan administrative law include:
Natural Justice (Fairness in Action): The, duty of fair play includes the right to a hearing (audi alteram partem) and the rule against bias.
Control of Discretionary Power: Administrative, actions must not be, arbitrary, irrational, or discriminatory. Power must be exercised by the authorized entity, and, reasons for decisions are increasingly considered essential.
Judicial Review: Courts have the, power to quash decisions that fail to meet standards of, lawfulness and fairness.
Legitimate Expectation: Public authorities must honor promises or, established practices, which is a key, aspect of administrative fairness.
Court of Appeal
Court of Appeal

The book is recognized as a vital resource for understanding, the, application of, English common law principles within the Sri Lankan, legal system