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Former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Maithripala Sirisena
The Colombo District Court yesterday issued an interim injunction barring Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Chairman Maithripala Sirisena from performing his duties in the position.
The court order was issued based on a complaint filed before the Court by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who served as the leader of the SLFP from 1994 to 2005.
In her petition, Kumaratunga sought a court order for the removal of Sirisena from the position of Chairman, citing his unsuitability for the role.
The counsels appearing on behalf of Kumaratunga maintained that Sirisena continuing to hold the post of Chairman was in violation of the party constitution. They noted that while Sirisena can remain as Chairman after being elected as President once he leaves the post he automatically becomes an advisor to the party. The counsels said accordingly Sirisena cannot according to the constitution both hold posts as Chairman and Advisor.
It was further highlighted that Sirisena’s actions during the 2018 constitutional crisis were deemed incorrect by a court and he was found to have violated the fundamental rights of people in a case related to the Easter Sunday terrorist attack. The counsels said these instances serve as additional evidence of his unsuitability for the top post in the party.
As a result, the Colombo District Court has issued an interim injunction against Sirisena, effectively halting his activities in the post until the Court reviews Kumaratunga’s complaint. This interim injunction will remain in effect until 18 April.
