Lawyer files petition urging referendum before Presidential Election

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

A lawyer has filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking a declaration that the Presidential Election should not be held without a referendum on the 19th amendment to the Constitution.   

In his petition, Attorney-at-law Aruna Laksiri is challenging the holding of a Presidential Election this year under the provisions of the 19th amendment to the constitution, as he believes that the 19th amendment was not properly passed with a referendum.

The petitioner further stated that, in order for the 19th amendment to the constitution to be duly passed, it requires endorsement at a national referendum.

The petitioner has cited the Election Commission, the members of the Election Commission, the Secretary General of Parliament and the Attorney General as respondents.

On July 08, the Supreme Court dismissed a Fundamental Rights petition filed by businessman Chamindra Dayan Lenawa who sought an order restraining the Election Commission from holding the Presidential election in 2024. The Supreme Court decided to dismiss this application citing that there is no merit to proceed with the application.