Court prevents SJB from axing Fonseka

• Order will be effective until March 4
• Plaint filed by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka against SJB office bearers

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

Colombo District Court yesterday issued an enjoining order preventing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) from removing Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka from the party membership and positions, on the basis of remarks he made against offering party membership to former Army Commander Daya Ratnayake. This order will be effective until March 4.  

The District Court made this order pursuant to a plaint filed by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka against SJB office bearers including party leader Sajith Premadasa, General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, National Organiser Tissa Attanayake and Treasurer Harsha de Silva. 

Fonseka alleged that offering SJB membership to former Army Commander (Retired) General Daya Ratnayake was contrary to the party’s objectives, policies and principles. He further claimed that General Ratnayake served as the Chairman of Sri Lanka Port Authority during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s regime, a period marked by the country’s descent into bankruptcy.  

Faiszer Musthapha PC with Shaheeda Barrie, Mehran Careem, Pulasthi Rupasinghe and Amila Perera appeared for the plaintiff.