SJB’s decision to expel Diana from party membership Expulsion case fixed for argument

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Expulsion Petition filed by Parliamentarian Diana Gamage challenging the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) for expelling her party membership was yesterday fixed for argument by the Supreme Court.  

The Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Kumuduni Wickremasinghe and Achala Wengappuli fixed the petition to be heard on June 8.   

In her petition, Diana Gamage said she has been expelled from the party membership following her decision to vote in favour of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. The Petitioner said she is not a member of the Government, but a Member of Parliament acting with independence and in accordance with her conscience as demanded by SJB Party’s Constitution.  

Diana Gamage has cited SJB General Secretary, its Chairman Sajith Premadasa, Secretary General of Parliament, Chairman of the Election Commission, members of Election Commission and several others as respondents.  

The petitioner is also seeking a declaration that the decision to expel her from the SJB communicated to her via letter dated 08th October 2021, is made in violation of the constitution of the SJB. Gamage stated that the party decision to expel her from party membership was unlawful and contrary to natural justice.  

She further seeks a declaration that the conduct of the purported disciplinary inquiry is in violation of natural justice and procedural properties, and thereby null and void and has no force or avail in law. 

• She further seeks a declaration that the conduct of the purported  disciplinary inquiry is in violation of natural justice and procedural  properties
• The Petitioner said she is not a member of the Government, but a Member  of Parliament acting with independence and in accordance with her  conscience 
• The petitioner is also seeking a declaration that the decision to expel  her from the SJB is made in violation of the constitution of the SJB