Governor resignation controversy deepens as Niroshan Padukka alleges constitutional violations and warns past decisions may face court challenge.
Governor resignation claims have triggered a political and legal storm after former Provincial Council Member Niroshan Padukka said a powerful Governor had handed over his resignation letter two days ago.
Padukka said the Governor is a skilled businessman with business operations across Colombo city. Although the resignation letter has been submitted, he claimed the Governor had requested to remain in office for another 30 days.
Niroshan Padukka alleged that the Governor had seriously violated Section 7 of Article 154(A) of the Constitution while holding office.
He stressed that under this constitutional provision, a Governor must not hold any profitable office or position. If the Governor had continued business activities or held director positions while serving in office, Padukka said it would amount to an unconstitutional act.
Padukka further claimed that since the Governor had acted in violation of the Constitution, all decisions taken by him during the past year and a half could be challenged before court.
He also warned that because Provincial Councils are not functioning, all decisions are currently made by the Governor. Therefore, if the appointment itself is legally flawed, those decisions could face the risk of becoming invalid.
“We will definitely take legal action regarding this matter under our government,” Padukka said.
He also warned that the Governor may even have to return the salaries, privileges and fuel allowances received from the government.
Padukka added that this was the second time the Governor had submitted his resignation, claiming the government was trying to keep him in office because it had no suitable replacement.
