SLC obtains an interim order against Sports Minister with new constitution

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Court of Appeal yesterday issued an interim order preventing the Sports Minister from proceedings with a draft constitution for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).   
The Court of Appeal made this order pursuant to a writ petition filed by Sri Lanka Cricket challenging the legality of drafting a new constitution with the intervention of the Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe.   

SLC President Shammi Silva and its Secretary Mohan de Silva filed this writ petition naming the Sports Minister as respondent. The petitioners maintained that they were compelled to institute legal action in order to prevent the Sports Minister from imposing upon SLC in drafting a constitution of his own choice. The petitioners stated that the Sports Minister appointed a committee to draft a constitution for SLC. They stated that any amendment to the constitution has to take place under and in terms of the constitution of SLC and any amendment not done in accordance with the constitution would be null and void. The petitioners are of the view that the Sports Minister has no right in law to impose upon Sri Lanka Cricket a constitution of his choice.   

President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva with Kuvera De Zoysa PC instructed by Attorney-at-Law Sanjay Fonseka appeared for the SLC. The Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprised Justices Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Chamath Morais.