A petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal seeking a quo warranto order to disqualify Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Minister Professor Upali Pannila from serving as a Member of Parliament (MP). The petitioner, Oshala Herath, alleges that Professor Pannila’s appointment violates constitutional provisions, raising questions about the legitimacy of his role in Parliament.
The petition claims that Professor Pannila, appointed as an MP through the National List of the National People’s Power (NPP) Movement, also holds a government position as an academic at the University of Ruhuna, a state institution. This dual role, according to the petitioner, breaches the Constitution of Sri Lanka, which prohibits individuals holding specific public sector roles from serving in Parliament.
Herath further argues that Professor Pannila’s appointment to the Cabinet as Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment exacerbates the conflict, as it underscores his active involvement in both legislative and executive functions while allegedly retaining his government employment.
The petition emphasizes that the Constitution aims to ensure impartiality and accountability among public officeholders and maintains that individuals with ties to government institutions should not have the ability to influence legislative decisions.
The petitioner has called on the Court of Appeal to declare Professor Pannila unfit for parliamentary office and revoke his position as an MP. If successful, this case could set a significant precedent regarding the eligibility criteria for public officials holding dual roles in Sri Lanka.
The Court of Appeal is expected to consider the petition in the coming days, with widespread interest from legal experts and political analysts anticipating the outcome.
