State Minister Gamage’s citizenship case referred to full bench after split decision

By A.J.A. Abeynayake

The Court of Appeal yesterday (25) referred the writ petition filed over State Minister Diana Gamage’s citizenship issue to a full bench for a decision. It did so following a split decision by a two-judge bench.

The case will be heard on 14 Sept. before a three-judge bench.

The Court of Appeal two-judge-bench, comprising Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice M.A.R. Marikkar, delivered a split verdict.

The writ petition challenging State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage’s citizenship and right to hold a parliamentary seat was filed by civil activist Oshala Herath.

Herath filed the petition seeking an order in the nature of a Writ of Quo Warranto declaring that Diana Gamage is disqualified to be a Member of Parliament and is thus not entitled to hold office as an MP.

Counsel Hafeel Farisz with Nishika Fonseka appeared for the petitioner. President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando appeared for Diana Gamage.