Colombo, July 30 – The Colombo District Court has further extended the interim injunction preventing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s (SLFP) Executive Committee from removing Duminda Dissanayake, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Mahinda Amaraweera from their positions until October 9. This decision follows a plaint filed by the MPs challenging their removal.
The injunction was extended by Colombo District Judge Sandun Withana during a court session held today. The petitioners—Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Duminda Dissanayake, and Mahinda Amaraweera—argue that their removal by former President Maithripala Sirisena and other party leaders was unlawful and without proper disciplinary procedures.
The MPs are seeking a court order to nullify the SLFP Executive Committee’s decision to expel them. Named respondents in the plaint include former President Sirisena and Acting General Secretary Sarathi Dushmantha Mithrapala. The petitioners contend that the removal was conducted without any formal investigation, thus violating party regulations.
On March 30, during a special meeting, the SLFP Executive Committee decided to strip Dissanayake of his role as National Organizer, Alagiyawanna of his position as Treasurer, and Amaraweera of his role as Senior Vice President. The SLFP subsequently appointed K.P. Gunawardena as National Organizer, Hector Bethmage as Treasurer, and Sarath Ekanayake as Senior Vice President.
This decision was announced amidst controversy surrounding statements made by former President Sirisena about the Easter attacks. The court’s extension of the injunction maintains the status quo while the legal dispute continues.
