The hearing on the 04 fundamental rights petitions filed by several parties, including the National People’s Power, against the illegal, arbitrary and democratic postponement of the local government election scheduled to be held on March 9 started today (29) at 10.00 am.
These petitions are being heard before a five-member bench that includes Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Gamini Amarasekara and Murdu Fernando.
The petitions will be heard tomorrow (30) and on December 01, 06 and 13, and the decision will be announced.
Petitions on behalf of the National People’s Power have been filed by Member of Parliament Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, former Member of Parliament Sunil Handunnetty and General Secretary of National People’s Power Nihala Abeysinghe, while President’s Counsel Nigel Hatch and Attorney at Law Shanta Jayawardena represent them.
It had been decided to consider the fundamental rights petitions filed by the National People’s Power on March 14 before a five-judge bench naming The Attorney General, the Cabinet, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Government Printer and the Inspector General of Police as respondents. However, the hearing of this petition was postponed for 08 months till today as there were instances of the judges getting absent and withdrawing from the hearing due to various technical issues.
General Secretary of Samagi Jana Balavegaya Ranjith Maddumabandara, Center for Alternative Policy and PAFFREL Organization have also submitted petitions against the postponement of the elections.
