Ranjan loses Parliamentary seat

The Parliamentary seat of Gampaha District Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Ranjan Ramanayake has been rendered vacant, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena told Parliament today. 

Making an announcement prior to the day's proceedings, Speaker Abeywardena stated that in terms of Section 64(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No.1 of 1981, the Secretary General of Parliament has written to the Election Commission that Mr Ramanayake's seat had fallen vacant as he has ceased to be a Member of Parliament in terms of Article 66(d) of the Constitution. 

Mr Ramanayake is currently searving a four-year prison sentence after being found guilty of contempt of court by the Supreme Court. 

The Court of Appeal on Monday rejected a writ petition filed by Mr Ramanayake seeking an interim injunction to prevent any attempt to make his Parliament seat vacant.  

Former MP Ajith Mannapperuma is the candidate who polled the next highest number of votes from the Gampaha District for the SJB and he is expected to be nominated to fill the seat left vacant by Mr Ramanayake.