Expulsion of Rathana Thera deemed unlawful by SC

By A.J.A. Abeynayake

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that the Ape Janabala Party’s expulsion of Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera from party membership was unlawful. The court affirmed that Ven. Rathana Thera faced no legal barriers to continuing to function as an MP despite the party’s decision.

The three-judge bench consisting of Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Murdu Fernando, and Janak de Silva, delivered the verdict.President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena and Rukshan Senadheera appeared for the petitioner while President’s Counsel Farman Cassim represented the Ape Janabala Party.

Counsel Nilshantha Sirimanne and Deshara Goonetilleke represented the fourth respondent, and Deputy Solicitor General Avanti Perera appeared for the Attorney General.