The writ petition filed by the Ape Janabala Pakshaya including Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaatthe Gnanasara Thera challenging the rejection of their nomination papers for contesting the General Election from the Kurunegala District was yesterday re-fixed for support on June 25 by the Supreme Court.
When the petition was taken up before court, three-judge-bench comprising Justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, L.T.B. Dehideniya and Preethi Padman Surasena, court was informed that several respondents were yet to receive notices.
The petitioners have sought an Interim Order preventing the Election Commission from taking further steps to proceed with holding the General Election in the Kurunegala District.
The nomination papers submitted by Ven. Galagodaatthe Gnanasara Thera under “Apè Janabala Pakshaya” to contest for the Kurunegala District were rejected on March 19. The petitioners stated that they were informed by the election officials that the nomination papers were rejected over mistakes in the sworn statements of the candidates.
The petitioners cited Election Commission’s Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya and several others as respondents. They sought an order in the nature of writ of Mandamus directing the Returning Officer appointed for the Kurunegala District to accept the nomination paper delivered to the Election Officer by the authorised agent of the Apè Janabala Pakshaya for the election of members for the Kurunegala District.
President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva with counsel Thishya Weragoda, Pulasthi Rupasinghe, and Iresh Seneviratne appeared for the petitioners. Deputy Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena appeared for the Attorney General. President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena appeared for the SLPP General Secretary. President’s Counsel Gamini Marapana with Navin Marapana PC appeared for the UPFP General Secretary.
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