Petition seeks PC election: AG to assist SC as Amicus

By S.S. Selvanayagam                                                                            

Supreme Court yesterday fixed the hearing for the Writ petitions seeking the Election Commission to hold the Provincial Council Elections for 9 September.

Court directed to issue notice through the Registrar.

It also directed the Registrar to send copies to the Attorney General and requested the Attorney General to assist court as Amicus Curie.

The Bench comprised Justices Priyantha Jayawardane, Vijith K. Malalgoda and Gamini Amarasekera.

One Writ petition was filed by six petitioners, the members of Sathya Gaveshakayo – ‘Truth Seekers’ organisation. Kaniska Vitharana supported the petition.

Petitioners cited the Election Commission, its Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, its members Nalin Abeysekara and Ratnajeewa Hoole as Respondents.

They are seeking an Order from the Court in the nature of Writ of Mandamus directing the Election Commission to hold the Provincial Council Elections in respect of Sabaragamuwa, North Central, Eastern, Central, Wayamba and Northern Provincial Councils.

They are also seeking a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to take action required by Article 104 B of the Constitution read with Provincial Council Act No. 2 of 1988 as it stood prior to the enactment of the Act No. 17 of 2017 for the election of members Sabaragamuwa, North Central, Eastern, Central, Wayamba and Northern Provincial Councils.

They point out that terms of office of the six Provincial Councils ended and already dissolved.

Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC appeared for some other petitioners. Uditha Egalahewa PC with N.K. Ashokbharan appeared for the Election Commissioner.