Expulsion by UNP: CA rejects petition filed by Manthilake

By S.S. Selvanayagam

Court of Appeal rejected the petition filed by Central Province Councillor Manthilake challenging her expulsion by the United National Party.

Petitioner Manthilake is a member of the Central Province Provincial Council and was the organiser of the Pathadumabara seat. At the last Presidential election held in January 2015, she supported the campaign of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Justifying her position she argued that by supporting the common candidate the United National Party was violating its constitution. 

United National Party instituted disciplinary proceedings against her on the basis of charges of serious misconduct and expelled her from the party. She challenged her expulsion in the Court of Appeal alleging that her expulsion was ultra vires and she was never given a proper hearing.

Kalinga Indatissa PC appeared for Manthilake and Hejaaz Hizbullah for the United National Party.