News
FR application challenging Ranil’s appointment as an MP dismissed by Supreme Court
by Chitra Weeraratne
A Fundamental Rights violation application filed by Attorney-at-Law Nagananda Kodituwakku on behalf of the Vinivida Foundation, challenging the election of Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe as a Member of Parliament was dismissed by the Supreme Court yesterday.
Justices Gamini Amarasekera, Shiran Gooneratne and Janak de Silva, after hearing extensive submissions, dismissed the application.
The Petitioner had filed the Fundamental Rights application on the basis that the provisions of Article 99A of the Constitution had not been complied with, as the nomination of Ranil Wickremesinghe, as the member elected on the National List of the United National Party, pursuant to the 2020 General elections, had been submitted outside the timeframe stipulated in the Constitution.
Deputy Solicitor General Kanishka de Silva Balapatabendi appearing for the Attorney General submitted that the stipulation that the nomination should be done within a week was a directory provision as opposed to a mandatory provision.
DSG Balapatabendi argued that the Constitution should be interpreted in a manner that realizes the aim, scope and object of the provisions and submitted that if the time limit were to be interpreted as mandatory, it would directly affect the franchise of the people and that such interpretation should be avoided.
The DSG also took up two preliminary objections that the application of the Petitioner is time barred and that the Petitioner has misrepresented facts and that his conduct does not warrant the equitable jurisdiction of Court.
Ronald Perera PC appearing with Eraj de Silva for the 9th Respondent, Ranil Wickremesinghe, associated himself with the submission made by the DSG and emphasized that the Petitioner has even failed to serve papers on the 9th Respondent.
The Petitioner had also sought to quash the Gazette by which Dhammika Perera was elected as a Member of Parliament but failed to serve notice on the relevant Respondents.
The Supreme Court, in dismissing the application yesterday morning, held that the requirement in Article 99A of the Constitution that the nomination pertaining to the election of members on the National List should be done within a week, was a directory provision and should be so construed as any other interpretation would affect the franchise of the People. The Court also found that the Petitioner has misrepresented matters to the Court.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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