Writ petition of Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament listed for July 20

The Court of Appeal has ordered that the writ petition filed by Deputy Secretary General of Parliament, Attorney-at-Law Chaminda Kularatne, seeking a declaration that the decision to suspend him from service was unlawful, be called for confirmation of facts on July 20. The petition has been filed against the Speaker of Parliament and several others.

The case was taken up today (19) before the Court of Appeal bench comprising Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando.

Appearing for the petitioner, President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena informed court that he was ready to proceed with the confirmation of facts in relation to the petition.

At that stage, President’s Counsel K. Kanag-Iswaran, appearing for the Speaker—named as the first respondent—stated that he would raise preliminary objections regarding the maintainability of the petition.

President’s Counsel Nigel Hatch, appearing for Ministers Bimal Rathnayake and Anil Jayantha, along with Attorney Chamara Nanayakkarawasam representing another respondent, also indicated that they would raise preliminary objections to the case.

After considering the submissions, the Court of Appeal bench fixed the matter for confirmation of facts on July 20.

The petition was filed by Attorney Chaminda Kularatne seeking a writ order declaring that the Speaker’s decision to suspend him without a proper inquiry was unlawful and to have the decision quashed.