Court issues notices on respondents over writ petition against Archchuna

Colombo, July 2 (Daily Mirror) - The Court of Appeal today issued formal notices on the respondents over the writ application challenging the eligibility of Jaffna District Parliamentarian Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna to serve as a Member of Parliament.

The matter was taken up for support before a two-judge bench of the Court of Appeal comprising Justice Mayadunne Corea and Justice Mahen Gopallawa. 

The notices were issued on the respondents, returnable on August 1, 2025. However, the Court refused to grant the interim order sought by the petitioner at the initial stage.

Counsel Senany Dayaratne, appearing for Parliamentarian Archchuna, made submissions opposing the issuing of formal notices and interim relief against his client.

Social activist Oshala Herath filed this petition seeking an order in the nature of a Writ of Quo Warranto declaring that Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna is disqualified to be a Member of Parliament.

The petitioner stated that Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna is a public officer attached to the Ministry of Health and, therefore, as a public officer, he has a contract with the state.

Counsel N.K. Ashokbharan with Shenal Fernando appeared for the petitioner- social activist Oshala Herath. Counsel Senany Dayaratne with Nishadi Wickramasinghe appeared for MP Archchuna. Senior Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardhana, PC appeared for the State parties.