• The minister maintained that under the party constitution, the Central Working Committee had no power or authority to remove him from any of the posts

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Colombo District Court yesterday further extended its Enjoining Order preventing Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) from removing Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva from the posts held by him in the party.

  Colombo District Court Judge Purnima Paranagamage made this order pursuant to a plaint filed by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva.   

Meanwhile, the Court was informed that the parties are considering a settlement.  
The Enjoining Order was issued against SLFP Chairman former President Maithripala Sirisena, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara, Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Duminda Dissanayaka who were named as the defendants of the application.   

The Plaintiff Nimal Siripala de Silva states that on or about 13th May 2022, the Central Working Committee had discussed the question of taking Cabinet posts after the present Prime Minister took office. Minister Siripala said he was not informed that he had been removed from any of the posts held by him in the party.  

Minister Siripala maintained that under the party constitution, the Central Working Committee had no power or authority to remove him from any of the posts.   

Minister Siripala further said he had been removed from functioning as SLFP Senior Vice President, member of All Island Executive Committee, Executive Committee and District leader of Badulla.   
Romesh De Silva PC with Counsel Niran Anketell and Harith De Mel instructed by Sanath Wijewardane appeared for the Plaintiff.  

Faizer Mustapha PC with Counsel Pulasthi Rupasinghe appeared for the defendants.  

• Minister Siripala said he was not informed that he had been removed from any of the posts held by him in the party