The Court of Appeal today dismissed a petition filed by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) seeking an interim injunction against Western Provincial Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara to prevent a secret ballot for the election of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha.
The petition was filed against Commissioner Jayasundara for allegedly ignoring a request made by 24 members of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha to hold an open ballot for the appointment of the Chairman and Vice Chairman during its inaugural session on the 17th.
Opposition parties, including members of the SJB, protested, stating that the Commissioner’s decision undermined the democratic process and eroded public trust.
Due to the lack of a quorum, the Local Administration Commissioner adjourned the session without electing a Chairman or Vice Chairman for the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha.
Subsequently, the SJB filed a petition with the Court of Appeal challenging the actions of the Western Provincial Commissioner. In their petition, the SJB sought an interim order preventing the Local Administration Commissioner from conducting a secret ballot and requested an open ballot procedure instead.
However, during proceedings today (14), the Court of Appeal dismissed the petition without hearing it.
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