Commissioner Sarangika’s conduct at Seethawaka PS challenged before Court of Appeal

Colombo, July 1 (Daily Mirror) - A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an interim order to prevent the respondents, including Western Province Local Government Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara, from conducting a secret vote for the election of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha.

The petition was filed by Pradeshiya Sabha members representing opposition parties, who claim to hold the majority in the council. They are challenging the decision of Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara to conduct secret ballots during the inaugural meeting held on June 17.

The petitioners stated that, in protest against this decision, 24 members walked out of the council chamber, resulting in the absence of a quorum.

They further alleged that the first respondent, Sarangika Jayasundara, acted in an arbitrary manner by opting for a secret ballot despite the majority of members having formally requested an open vote. The petitioners argue that the decision to proceed with a secret vote has raised serious doubts about the impartiality and conduct of the Commissioner.

President’s Counsel Ali Sabry, appearing for the petitioners, informed the Court that he is seeking an interim order to prevent the election from being conducted via secret ballot at the next scheduled meeting on July 15.

Taking the facts into consideration, the Court of Appeal (President) Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice K. Priyantha Fernando fixed the petition for support on July 7. 

Senior Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharamawardena with Deputy Solicitor General Manohara Jayasinghe appeared for the respondents.