SC quashes Cabinet decision granting residence to Maithripala

29 February 2024 06:31 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Feb 29 (Daily Mirror) - The Supreme Court today held that the Cabinet decision to allow former President Maithripala Sirisena to use a residence at Paget Road in Colombo was an arbitrary, unreasonable and illegal decision amounting to a violation of the Rule of Law and the Fundamental Rights guaranteed to the citizens.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court decided to quash the Cabinet decision dated 15 October, 2019 which allowed former President Maithripala Sirisena the continuous use of the residence used by him at Paget Road, Colombo.

The Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Gamini Amarasekara and Kumudini Wickremasinghe held that the decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers to provide a residence to former President Sirisena with entitlements is beyond the scope offered by the Presidents' Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986.

The Supreme Court delivered this judgment pursuant to a Fundamental Rights petition filed by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and its Executive Director, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu.

The petitioners alleged that it is wrong for the Cabinet of Ministers to decide on the benefits of a retiring President before he ceases to hold office. The petitioner further said that this Cabinet decision had been taken violating accepted procedures set out in law.

In their petition, the petitioners stated that the residence occupied by former President Maithripala Sirisena on Mahagama Sekara Mawatha (Paget Road) is of great financial value and is a valuable asset of the country.

Senior Counsel Suren Fernando appeared for the petitioners, while Faisz Musthapha PC, Faizer Musthapha PC, Counsel Pulasthi Herath and Counsel Keerthi Tillekaratne appeared for former President Sirisena.

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Comments - 10

Puswadilla Thursday, 29 February 2024 07:17 PM

What about Maina

sam Thursday, 29 February 2024 07:17 PM

Now he has to leave the house

Big Sam Thursday, 29 February 2024 07:28 PM

Damn good!

Samyrajah Selvarajah Thursday, 29 February 2024 07:40 PM

Why do the 225 MP's who govern the country, always look after only themselves? They are always together in a private business. The country can govern itself with the educated and efficient Sri Lankan people, with the PARLIAMENT. That is my view.

NV Jen Thursday, 29 February 2024 07:53 PM

This parasite Sirisena, manipulated cabinet under the spineless Ranil as PM, to provide extra luxuries even after his callous actions that paved the way for the Easter massacre.

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 29 February 2024 08:26 PM

So , Sira is going to be homeless. He can stay with Rice Mill King Dadley. But it is too dangerous for Dudley as Sira may try to cook some Hoppers.

Siraata Kelaa Thursday, 29 February 2024 08:50 PM

@Sarawanamuttu- how about your sister in law Chandrika occupying a valuable premises next to 80 Club?. Anyway, good riddance of a useless puppet from Paget Road. Kudos!

VJ Thursday, 29 February 2024 09:03 PM

Why don’t the government construct an enclave consisting of half a dozen bungalows to house retired presidents? A small military platoon can provide security to the compound and its occupants. The bungalows should be of the same size to be fair to all.

johan Thursday, 29 February 2024 09:14 PM

When new govt. takes over power revoke the Act.No.4 of 1986.

He enjoyed enough luxuries as President. Thursday, 29 February 2024 09:24 PM

Good decision, The whole country will applaud.

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SC quashes Cabinet decision granting residence to Maithripala

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