Oshala moves court against MP Archchuna

The Court of Appeal yesterday (17) fixed for consideration on 15 January, 2025, a quo warranto petition filed by civil society activist and ‘Abhinawa Niwahal Peramuna’ Oshala Herath seeking a writ order disqualifying Jaffna District Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna from holding a parliamentary seat.

The Court of Appeal said so when Herath’s petition was taken up before a two-member Appeals Court bench comprising Justices Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Mahen Gopallawa.

The petitioner has alleged that MP Ramanathan Archchuna has handed over his nominations for the 2024 General Election without resigning from his post as a government medical officer.

The petitioner pointed out that nominations couldn’t be submitted by an individual for an election without resigning from a post he/she held in the public service. The court was told that Archchuna has violated the provisions of the Elections Act.

The petitioner sought an order be issued declaring that the respondent MP is not qualified to hold a seat in Parliament under the Constitution and to invalidate his appointment as an MP.

Accordingly, the court has ordered the petition to be called on 15 January, 2025.

N. K. Ashokbharan and Shenal Fernando appeared for the petitioner.

The Supreme Court over a year ago removed State Minister Diana Gamage from Parliament after Herath challenged her being a Sri Lankan MP while also being a dual citizen of the UK.