Petition Seeks to Disqualify Minister Ananda Wijepala from Parliament

A petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal seeking to invalidate the parliamentary seat of Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, citing constitutional ineligibility.

The petition was submitted by Renuka Perera, Ruling Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. The respondents named in the case include Minister Ananda Wijepala, the Secretary General of Parliament, and the Attorney General.

According to the petitioner, Wijepala was appointed Minister of Public Security on 18 November. However, on 10 December, The Sunday Times reported that he had also been appointed as the President’s Chief of Staff. A Freedom of Information request confirmed this appointment.

The petition argues that under Article 91 of the Constitution, a public servant cannot sit or vote in Parliament. Since the role of the President’s Chief of Staff is considered a public office, the petitioner contends that Wijepala is disqualified from holding a parliamentary seat.

The court is urged to declare his position as an MP invalid and issue an interim restraining order preventing him from participating in parliamentary proceedings and voting until a final ruling is made. The petition also seeks an order barring him from serving as Minister of Public Security.