Opposition parties file petitions to intervene in Presidential election delay case

Three petitions for intervention have been filed regarding the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition submitted by businessman Chamindra Dayan Lenawa, who seeks to delay the announcement of the Presidential election until the Supreme Court clarifies the poll date. 

The petitions were filed by the main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) along with the National People’s Power (NPP) and Wasantha Mudalige of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF).

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Maddums Bandara requested permission to intervene in the case, seeking the dismissal of Lenawa’s petition.

In his petition, Bandara argued that the application of Lenawa is untimely, noting that the Commissioner of Elections already announced on 9 May that the Presidential poll steps would follow Constitutional provisions, with the term of office being five years and the election scheduled between 17 September and 16 October.

He noted that the application should be dismissed because essential parties, including political parties and candidates, were not included. 

It was noted that the SJB plans to participate in the Presidential election with Sajith Premadasa as its candidate, making it a crucial party for the case.

Bandara claimed that Lenawa’s petition aims to undermine the voting rights of Sri Lankans and democracy. 

He noted that all major parties, including SJB, NPP and Sarvajana Balaya, agree on a five-year Presidential term, supported by newspaper articles from 23 June and 26 June.

Bandara also informed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also stated that the Presidential term is five years, confirmed by his official ‘X’ handle and newspaper articles on 4 July. 

The SJB General Secretary stated that many civic and religious leaders, along with most Parliamentary members, share this view, as supported by a 21 June, newspaper article.

Separately, NPP Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath, another petitioner, sought a court order to dismiss Lenawa’s petition without consideration. 

A five-judge Supreme Court bench, led by the Chief Justice, will hear Lenawa’s petition on Monday.