Dr. Archchuna’s eligibility for Parliamentary seat challenged in Court

Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justices  Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Mahen Gopallawa fixed this matter for hearing on  January 15, 2025.  

The petitioner stated that Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna is a  public officer attached to the Ministry of Health and, therefore, as a  public officer, he has a contract with the state.  

The petitioner stated that Article 91(1)(e) of the  Constitution bars individuals who hold any interests in public contracts  from election as a Member of Parliament.   

The petitioner further stated that Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna  functioned as Cover-up Medical Superintendent of Chavakachcheri Base  Hospital and was later annexed to the Teaching Hospital of Peradeniya.  The petitioner stated that Dr. Archchuna’s Facebook profile, on or about  29th September 2024 publicly disclosed that he was interdicted pending  disciplinary action by the then Secretary to the Ministry of Health.   

Therefore, the petitioner stated that Dr. Archchuna is  disqualified to be a Member of Parliament under and in terms of Article  91(1)(d) and 91(1)(e) of the Constitution.  
Counsel N.K.Ashokbharan with Shenal Fernando appeared for the petitioner.