Today, the Supreme Court ruled that State Minister Diana Gamage lacks the legal qualifications to retain her parliamentary seat. The decision follows the court's consideration of an appeal challenging the dismissal by the Appeals Court of a petition contesting Gamage's parliamentary membership.
The court had initially deferred its verdict indefinitely after concluding the hearings on February 13. Social activist Oshala Herath lodged the appeal two weeks subsequent to the dismissal of his petition against Gamage's parliamentary seat and citizenship by the Appeals Court.
In his appeal, Herath named Gamage and others as respondents, reiterating his previous petition's claim that the lawmaker, by holding dual citizenship, is ineligible to hold a seat in the Sri Lankan parliament.
SLFP selects Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as Presidential candidate
Former President Maithripala Sirisena said today that Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe will be the Presidential candidate representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
He made this revelation during the commemoration ceremony of the late T.B. Ilangaratne.
The former President said that Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has the support of the majority of party members.
Sirisena said he has previously served as President and pledged not to contest for the Presidency again.
"Wijayadasa Rajapakshe will run for the upcoming Presidential election and we will offer him our full support," he said.
ජනපතිවරණයට මෛත්රී ඉදිරිපත් කිරීම මම කරපු ඵෙතිහාසික වැරැද්දක්
In a surprising admission, former President Chandrika Kumaratunga publicly expressed remorse today, labeling the decision to endorse former President Maithripala Sirisena as the Presidential candidate for the 2015 election as a mistake.
Speaking at a press conference, Kumaratunga openly acknowledged her regret regarding the support extended to Sirisena, indicating a shift in her stance since the pivotal election.
Kumaratunga, who played a pivotal role in introducing Sirisena as the Presidential candidate of the UNP-led 'Yahapalanaya' Government, emphasized her disillusionment with her past decision-making.
Furthermore, she quashed any speculation about her son, Vimukthi Kumaratunga, venturing into politics, firmly ruling out his involvement in the political arena.
Addressing speculation surrounding her potential ascension to the SLFP Chairmanship, Kumaratunga clarified that she harbored no interest in assuming the role. Instead, she advocated for a younger individual to take up the mantle, signaling a desire for rejuvenation within the party's leadership.
Sri Lanka's new prime minister has told the BBC an economic crisis that has brought misery and unrest is "going to get worse before it gets better".
The country is facing fuel shortages and soaring food prices, with some Sri Lankans forced to skip meals.
Anger over the government's handling of the crisis has led to violent protests.
Ranil Wickremesinghe, who returns for a sixth time as prime minister of Sri Lanka, promised families will get three meals a day in an attempt to diffuse rising tensions.
