CA extends interim order directing parliament to maintain status quo regarding Ranjan’s seat

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Court of Appeal, yesterday, extended the interim order directing the Secretary General of Parliament to maintain the status quo regarding imprisoned Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake’s seat in parliament until March 16.

The court made the directive when it heard a writ petition filed by Ramanayake, who was sentenced to four years rigorous imprisonment for contempt of court, requesting not to annul his parliamentary seat.

Senior State Counsel, Dr. Avanthi Perera, who appeared for the Attorney General, told the Court that she had been instructed not to oppose the application to get the interim order.

Faiz Mustapha President’s Counsel appeared with M. A. Sumanthiran PC and Suren Fernando for Ranjan Ramanayake. Mustafa informed the court through a motion that his client could not appear before the court due to illness.

The Secretary General of Parliament and the Attorney General have been named as respondents in the petition filed by Ramanayake.

The Court of Appeal bench comprised Justice Arjuna Obeysekera (President) and Justice Mayadunna Corea.