Ranjan’s seat: Court of Appeal re-fixes his Writ Application

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Court of Appeal yesterday re-fixed the order in respect of the Writ Application filed by MP Ranjan Ramanayake for April 5, 2021.

The petitioner has asked for a mandatory order on the Secretary General of Parliament, restraining the later from informing the Commissioner of Elections that he has vacated his seat in Parliament.

The Supreme Court recently convicted Ramanayake of contempt of the Supreme Court for having caused an affront to the dignity of judges by making a derogatory statement at a public gathering in Colombo. Ramanayake was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for four years.

Ramanayake is a Samagi Jana Balavegaya Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District.

Faiz Mustapha, PC, appeared with M. A. Sumanthiran, PC, Suren Fernando and Keerthi Tilakaratne for Ramanayake.

Additional Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva PC appeared with Senior Deputy Solicitor General Nerin Pulle for the respondents the Secretary General of Parliament, the Commissioner of Elections, and the Attorney General.

The Court of Appeal bench comprised Justice Arjuna Obeysekera (President) and Justice Mayadunna Corea.