Duminda’s case against Wijeyadasa’s appointment as SLFP Chairman dismissed

• The plaintiff further sought a declaration that all decisions taken during an executive committee meeting held on May 12 are not valid in law

 By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

A plaint filed by Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) parliamentarian seeking an enjoining order preventing Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe PC and Attorney-at-Law Keerthi Udawatta from functioning as SLFP Chairman and party acting General Secretary respectively was yesterday dismissed by Colombo District Court.  

Colombo District Court Judge Sandun Vithana decided to dismiss this plaint taking into consideration the objections raised by Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe challenging the maintainability of the case. However, the District Court Judge observed that the plaintiff can invoke court’s jurisdiction after filing an amended plaint, rectifying the jurisdiction issue.  

The plaintiff Duminda Dissanayake further sought a declaration that all decisions taken during an executive committee meeting held on May 12 are not valid in law.  

The plaintiff alleged that the executive committee meeting had been convened illegally, contrary to the provisions of SLFP constitution, and therefore its subsequent appointments are not legally valid.  

On May 13, the Kaduwela District Court had issued an enjoining order preventing all factions from disrupting the newly appointed office bearers Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the party Chairman and Keerthi Udawatta as acting General Secretary.  

Chandaka Jayasundara, PC with Counsel Amila E. Dissanayake appeared for Plaintiff. Romesh Desilva, PC appeared for Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.