SJB candidate Aluwihare demands recount in Matale through writ application

By Chitra Weerarathne 

Awrit application filed in by Ranjith Aluwihare of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya, in the Court of Appeal, calling for a recount of the SJB’s preferential votes polled in the Matale District at the general election on August 5, 2020, was taken up yesterday.

 Notice was issued on the respondents, returnable on November 5, 2020.

The SJB won one seat in the Matale District.It went to Rohini Kaviratne. Rajith Aluwihare of the SJB lost by 416 votes (four hundred and sixteen votes).

The petitioner Aluwihara has called for a recount. He has complained in his petition that his polling agents were not allowed to be at the counting centre of the Matale District. But the counting agents of the winner Kaviratne were allowed to remain.

Among the respondents, on when notice was issued were the District Secretary of Matale District, the Deputy Returning Officer for Matale District, the Commissioner General of Elections, and the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya.

 President’s Counsel, Sanjeewa Jayawardena appeared with Counsel Senadheera for the petitioner Ranjith Aluwihare of the SJB.

 The Bench comprised Justice A.H.M. D. Nawaz (President of the Court of Appeal) and Justice Sobitha Rajakaruna.