SC gives SJB time till Dec 13 to file objections to Diana Gamage’s FR petition against her expulsion

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Supreme Court yesterday (23) gave the respondents, cited in the fundamental rights violation petition filed by Diana Gamage, Samagi Jana Balavegaya National List Member of Parliament time till 18 Dec. to file objections to the petition.

Diana Gamage has challenged her expulsion from the party for voting with the government for the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. She has declared both in and outside Parliament that she would continue to support the SLPP.

Gamage has complained that the SJB did not hold a proper inquiry before expelling her. The expulsion was unfair. She wants it quashed by the Court.

According to Article 99(13) of the Constitution, once a Member of Parliament is expelled from his/her party, he or she loses the seat.

President’s Counsel, Uditha Egalahewa, appeared for the petitioner, Diana Gamage.

Faiz Mustapha PC appeared with Faman Cassim PC, for the SJB party and its leader Sajith Premadasa.

Ikram Mohammed, PC appeared for the Secretary of the SJB, Ranjith Madduma Bandara.

The bench comprised Justice Preethi Padman Soorasena, Justice Gamini Amerasekera and Justice Shiran Gooneratne.