The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has upheld the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) decision to expel two senior members, Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara, from the party, a ruling that will see both politicians lose their parliamentary seats and ministerial positions.
The decision to expel Fernando and Nanayakkara was taken by the SJB Working Committee on July 18, 2023, following their earlier suspension in May 2022.
The suspensions came after the two MPs accepted ministerial roles in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government, contrary to the SJB’s stance as an opposition party.
Harin Fernando served as the Minister of Tourism Lands & Sports, while Manusha Nanayakkara was the Minister of Labour & Foreign Employment.
By accepting these positions, Fernando and Nanayakkara argued they were acting in the national interest, attempting to address the severe economic crisis facing the country. However, their actions were seen by the SJB as a betrayal of party principles, leading to disciplinary action.
The Supreme Court’s ruling validates the SJB’s decision, not only confirming their expulsion but also triggering their automatic disqualification from Parliament as per Sri Lankan electoral law. As a result, Fernando and Nanayakkara will also lose their ministerial portfolios. (Newswire)