• The HC observed that the decision to appoint a retired judicial officer to inquire was a decision taken irrationally and unreasonably 

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Provincial High Court of Ratnapura has issued a writ of Certiorari to quash the decision taken by the Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province to temporarily suspend Chamika Jayamini Wimalasena from holding the office of the Chairman of Balangoda Urban Council. 

The High Court also issued a writ of prohibition preventing the Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa from taking any further action in relation to the Balangoda Urban Council.   

The High Court further issued an order quashing the appointment of a retired judicial officer to inquire into and report him as to the commission of any alleged offence specified in section 184 (1) of the Urban Council Ordinance by the petitioner.   

In her judgment, High Court Judge Lanka Jayaratne observed that the decision to appoint a retired judicial officer to inquire, was a decision taken irrationally and unreasonably and therefore such decision should be quashed by way of a writ of Certiorari. Accordingly, the decision taken by the Governor to suspend the petitioner until the conclusion of the inquiry was quashed by way of a writ of Certiorari. 

• The High Court further issued an order quashing the appointment of a retired judicial officer