SC grants leave to proceed in case challenging gender-based recruitment for station master posts

11 July 2025 05:53 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 9 Bookmark

A A A

Colombo, July 11 (Daily Mirror) - The Supreme Court today granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights 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 by a three-judge bench comprising Justices A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Priyantha Fernando, and Sampath Wijeratne, in terms of Articles 12(1), 12(2), and 14(1)(g) of the Constitution.

Petitioners Ayeshani Jayawardena and S. Vidusha are contesting the legality of a Gazette notification issued on June 13, 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 August 27.

Comments - 9

Sokrates Friday, 11 July 2025 06:00 PM

I often think Sri Lanka is still in the 19th century.

1 16

Lk Friday, 11 July 2025 06:34 PM

Railway depot must treat equally all people even disable and dual citizenship holders if they want to come and work All are equal in the eyes of law : Don’t discriminate Based on language, gender, caste, religion or region

0 16

Seqi Friday, 11 July 2025 07:27 PM

All the crashes lately of buses have had male drivers..... time to recruit girls to drive buses.... No bus is suitable for Sri Lanka if it can't be driven by a lady...

1 11

Aluthgama Friday, 11 July 2025 08:06 PM

I hope the women will win the case. There should be justice and equality in race religions, culture, ethnicity and gender.

1 17

Easo Friday, 11 July 2025 10:48 PM

The railway department is in a horrible state. My father was a station master and I spent lot of time at stations where he worked. Very disappointed to note that the slandered and service of the department was a hundred times better than today. Most of them are working like robots. They have no commitment towards their work.

0 4

Dr Tissa Fernando Saturday, 12 July 2025 03:49 AM

Never thought of this before, hats off to those who filed the case. Yes, cannot understand why women are not recruited for the Station Master post.

0 6

Perera Saturday, 12 July 2025 06:45 AM

I have a few vacancies for toddy tappers and coconut pluckers, women are welcome to apply however appointment will be after a practical rest.

3 2

Jude Saturday, 12 July 2025 08:59 AM

It's ironic the female petitioners didn't hire a female lawyer!! Huh!! I find the petitioners have no Merritt in this Case.

3 1

Jude Saturday, 12 July 2025 09:29 AM

Most stations are very dangerous for female station Managers at nights. If you're asking for equal treatment but having a female station Manager at night will jepodice the safety. There's lots of things women can do in Sri Lanka. But Station Manager, let the men handle it. Remember, women can't play in PGA(Professional Golfers Association) because it meant for MEN ONLY.

5 1

222

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.