Writ petition challenging Minister’s eligibility for Parliamentary seat fixed for May 13

Colombo, March 30 (Daily Mirror) - A writ petition filed seeking an order declaring that Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage is disqualified from being a Member of Parliament (MP), was today fixed for May 13 by the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal fixed the matter for mention on May 13, as the third respondent, the former Vice Chancellor of the Ruhuna University, wishes to retain counsel.

Social and political activist Oshala Herath filed this petition, naming the following respondents: Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage (first respondent), Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, Vice Chancellor of the Ruhuna University Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena, the University of Ruhuna, and the Attorney General. 

According to the writ petition, this claim arises from the fact that he remained an employee of the University of Ruhuna at the time he was declared an MP and subsequently appointed as a Cabinet Minister.

Uditha Igalahewa PC with Counsel N.K. Ashokbharan appeared for the petitioner.

Harsha Fernando PC with Counsel Yohan Coorey appeared for Minister Pannilage.