Supreme Court stays holding election for Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabha

The Supreme Court today issued a stay order against the holding of Local Authority Elections in respect of the Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabha.

This order will be effective until the final determination of a writ petition filed by Nawa Lanka Nidahas Pakshaya. Thilak Waragoda, the General Secretary of Nawa Lanka Nidahas Pakshaya and its Authorised Agent for Kalutara Senal Welgama filed this petition challenging the rejection of the nominations of the Nawa Lanka Nidahas Pakshaya for the Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabha. The petitioners named the Election Commission and several others as respondents.

The respondent elections commission has been required to file any objections within two weeks and the petitioners counter affidavit two weeks after. The petition was fixed for argument on May 12.
The Supreme Court three-judge-bench bench comprised Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Gamini Ameresekera and Janak De Silva. Senior Counsel Viran Corea with Ashiq Hassim instructed by Anuradha Weragoda appeared for the petitioners. Counsel Dharshana  Weraduwage appeared for the elections commission.(Lakmal Sooriyagoda)