Engineer petitions Supreme Court against excess of Ministers

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Supreme Court yesterday directed the Attorney General to file within two weeks the correct number of Cabinet Ministers and State Ministers currently holding office.

Kapila Denuka Perera, an engineer, has filed a fundamental rights violation petition in the Supreme Court, complaining that at present there are 32 Cabinet Ministers and 44 State Ministers although the Constitution permits only 30 Cabinet Ministers and 40 State Ministers. Hence the Cabinet is illegal and should be abolished.

Counsel Dharshana Weraduwa appeared with Dilshan Manamperi for the petitioner.

Additional Solicitor General, Indika Demuni de Silva President’s Counsel appeared for the Attorney General.

The bench comprised Justice Vijith K. Malalgoda, Justice Yassantha Kodagoda and Justice Mahinda Samayawardena.

This case will be next called on 27 Jan. 2022.