COURT REJECTS WRIT APPLICATION AGAINST EPC DISSOLUTION

The Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed the Writ Application against the dissolution of the Eastern Provincial Council (EPC) by the Governor on June 27.

The Bench comprising Justices Sisira de Abrew, Anil Gooneratne and A.W.A. Salaam also refused to issue notices on the respondents.

Petitioner Rasiah Thurairatnam was a member of the EPC that was dissolved on June 27.

He cited Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, Governor Real Admiral (Retd.) Mohan Wijewickrama, Provincial Ministers M.S. Suhair, T. Navaratnarajah and Wimalaweera Dissanayaka, leader of the opposition Daya Gamage and Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya as respondents.

The petitioner sought an interim court order to suspend the Governor’s decision to dissolve the EPC and to prevent the Elections Commissioner from taking

The petitioner sought an interim court order to suspend the Governor’s decision to dissolve the EPC and to prevent the Elections Commissioner from taking any steps to hold polls

any steps to hold polls.

He also asked the court to issue an order nullifying the decision by the Governor to dissolve the council.

President’s Counsel K. Kanag Iswaran with M.A. Sumanthiran appeared for the petitioner.