The petition filed by businessman C.D. Lenawa preventing the calling of a Presidential election has been dismissed by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
The Judgement on the petition was issued today by the five-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.
The Fundamental Rights Petition filed by businessman Chamindra Dayan Lenawa sought a clear interpretation of the President’s term in office, as the 19th Amendment defines the tenure as 05 years in one context and 06 years in another.
In his petition, the businessman emphasised the need for the Court to clarify the exact duration of the President’s term and called for an interim order to delay the upcoming presidential election until this interpretation is provided.
Meanwhile, three intervening petitions were also filed, including by the Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the National Peoples Power (NPP), concerning the FR petition filed by businessman Lenawa.
The petition by the businessman was taken up for hearing today before the 5-judge bench of the Supreme Court consisting of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Murdu Fernando, Preethi Padman Surasena, and S. Thurairaja.
During the hearing of the petitions earlier today, the Acting Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that as per the current Constitution, the President’s tenure is interpreted as five years.
The outcome of this petition could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape and the upcoming presidential election which is currently expected to be held in October this year. (Newswire)
