Legal Battle Unfolds: Court Restricts Maithripala Sirisena's Role as SLFP Chairman Amidst Constitutionality Dispute

In a recent development, the Colombo District Court issued an injunction against former President Maithripala Sirisena, barring him from functioning as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) until the resolution of an ongoing legal case. This decision came in response to a petition filed by SLFP Central Committee member Montague Sarathchandra, citing concerns over Sirisena's eligibility to hold the position after the expiration of his presidential term.

According to the petitioner, Sirisena's continued tenure as SLFP Chairman violates the party's constitution, which designates the ex-executive President as the party's patron ex-officio following the conclusion of their presidential term. The petition argued that Sirisena's role should be limited to that of patron, and his occupancy of the chairman position beyond November 18, 2019, is illegitimate.

Colombo Chief District Judge Sandun Vithana, presiding over the case, acknowledged the validity of the petitioner's concerns, deeming Sirisena's dual roles as problematic under the circumstances. Consequently, the court ordered Sirisena's temporary removal as SLFP Chairman pending further deliberation on the matter.

Both parties involved in the case have been instructed to submit their respective arguments by June 24, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold. Among the respondents named in the petition are former SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara, along with Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Duminda Dissanayake.

Representing the petitioners are a panel of attorneys, including Senior Attorney Shantha Jayawardena, alongside attorneys Dinesh de Silva, Chamara Nanayakkarawasam, Hiranya Damunupola, and Chamodi Rajanetti, underscoring the significance of the dispute surrounding Sirisena's chairmanship within the SLFP.

As the legal battle ensues, the conclusion of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future leadership structure of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the interpretation of its constitution. With the Colombo District Court's decision to temporarily restrict Maithripala Sirisena's role as SLFP Chairman, pending further legal proceedings, the outcome of this dispute will shape the party's direction moving forward. As both sides prepare to present their arguments, the resolution of this case on June 24 will provide clarity on the constitutional validity of Sirisena's continued leadership within the party, marking a pivotal moment in SLFP's political landscape.