Validity of FFSL election in question: Court of Appeal issues notice

The Court of Appeal (CA) yesterday issued notice on the Respondents, including, the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sri Ranga and the other newly elected office of bearers of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) on the Petition filed by Jaswar Umar Lebbe, the immediate past president of the FFSL.

The Petitioner filed a writ application on Monday, 16th January 2023, alleging that the Petitioner was wrongfully disqualified from contesting the elections on the morning of the election (14th January 2023). 

The Petitioner in his petition stated that the Minister, acting in collusion with rival candidates, directed the elections committee to disqualify the Petitioner from contesting for the post of president of FFSL without giving him an opportunity of being heard. 

Having heard the submission of all the counsels, the CA issued a notice yesterday to the Respondents and fixed the matter for argument on the 21st of February 2023. 

A decision is expected on the question of the validity of the election and the validity of the office bearers appointed. 

Senior Counsel Eraj de Silva appeared for the petitioner while Sumathi Dharmawardena PC, Additional Solicitor General appeared for the Minister while Sanjeewa Jayawardena PC appeared for the President and some of the Elected Office bearers.