Appeal Court to consider petition against RW's Parliamentary position on Feb 12

The writ petition filed challenging Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe's appointment as a Parliamentarian will be taken up before the Appeal Court on February 12.

The petition which was filed by Colombo Municpal Council member Sharmila Gonawela was taken up today before a two-member trial-at-bar comprising Justices A.L.S Gunaratne, and Priyantha Fernando.

Acting chairman of the Court of Appeal, Justice Deepani Wijesundara yesterday (Jan 31) withdrew from the judge bench citing personal reasons for her reccuse. 

Ms. Gonawela in her petition had claimed that Mr. Wickremesinghe could not serve as a parliamentarian according to Article 91 (1) (e) which prevents a parliamentarian from entering into trade agreements with the government.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is  a shareholder at Lakehouse Printers and Publishers (Pvt) Ltd. which generates income by entering into trade agreements with government bodies.

Accordingly, the petitioner had requested court to issue a quo warranto injunction on Ranil Wickremesinghe's position as parliamentarian.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, and the Secretary-General of Parliament and several other individuals have been named as respondents in the case.