Galle High Court Judge  K.B.K. Hirimburegama  today issued a writ  order revoking the decision taken by Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Vijaya Lal De Silva to remove former Galle Mayor  Methsiri De Silva from his position  and the council membership.

 The High Court .Judge issued the writ order after considering the petition submitted by Methsiri De Silva

The petitioner sought a court order to revoke the gazette notification of January 19, 2013 issued by the chief minister ‘removing him from the mayoralty and the membership of the Galle Municipal Council.

 Delivering the judgement the judge said the chief minister had no authority to remove a municipal member on charges of misdeeds committed during the tenure of a previous council and when a new council is established after an election.

 Chief Minister Shan Vijaya Lal De Silva,  former Southern province local government commissioner Darshaka Pandikorala.  Southern Local government commissioner  Chandima Muhandiramge,  Dileke  Kuddachchi  assistant  L.G. Commissioner,  Kelum  Senevirathne (deputy mayor),  M. Niyas – former deputy mayor,Pushparani Edirisinghe- Municipal Commissioner, M. Amarasena De Silva  retired  judicial officer,  H.P. Piyadasa  chief investigation officer, investigation officers W.N. Rathana , Anusha Chandani  W.M. Manjula Perera,, Galle Municipality and the secretary UPFA  Susil Prema Jayantha were the respondents.

 Attorneys  Mahesh Madawala, Manoja Guruge and Anusha Liyanage  appeared for the petitioner instructed by  Attorney  Thushara Silva.

 Attorneys  Sanjaya Kodithuwakku and Sanath  Wijewardena  appeared for the respondents  with a panel of lawyers. (D.G. Sugathapala)