22 August 2024 12:09 pm Views - 3709
The Supreme Court further held that the Fundamental Rights of the petitioners and the citizens of the country have been violated by the authorities including Minister of Finance, the Election Commission and the Attorney General by not holding the Local Government elections that were scheduled for March 9 last year.
The Supreme Court five-judge-bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Vijith Malalgoda, Murdu Fernando, Gamini Amarasekara and Yasantha Kodagoda delivered this judgment pertaining to four Fundamental Rights petitions filed seeking an order directing the authorities to hold a free and fair Local Government elections.
These petitions had been filed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, National People's Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Harini Amarasuriya, the Centre for Policy Alternatives and the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL).
The petitioners filed these petitions naming Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, the Attorney General, the Election Commission and several others as respondents.
President's Counsel Upul Jayasuriya appeared for SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, while Nigel Hatch PC appeared for Harini Amarasuriya. Viran Corea PC appeared for the Centre for Policy Alternatives, Senior Counsel Asthika Devendra appeared for PAFFRAL, Saliya Pieris PC appeared for the Election Commission and Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle appeared for the Attorney General.