Date fixed for Sri Lanka Cricket election; Rights proceedings before SC terminated
By S. S. Selvanayagam
The Supreme Court was yesterday (28) informed that the date to hold an election for the appointment of officials to the Sri Lanka Cricket has already been fixed.
In view that substantive relief sought by the Petition is obtained, the Bench comprising Justices N. G. Amaratunga, S. I. Imam and Priyasath Dep terminated the proceedings of the fundamental rights petition.
However, the Petitioner can file motion with notice to all the Respondents, if necessary to have this matter in Court.
The Supreme Court on 9 May suggested to the relevant parties to look towards the holding of an election for the appointment of officials to the Sri Lanka Cricket within a time frame namely three months in the interest of cricket and the country.
The fundamental rights petition was filed by the United Southern Cricket Club President M. S. Asoka Mendis.
He cited D. S. De Silva (Chairman), Nishantha Ranatunga (Secretary) Sujeeva Rajapaksha (Treasurer), Kalinga N. Indatissa, Prabhath Fonseka and Asanga Chandana Seneviratne all of the Interim Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket(SLC). SLC Acting CEO Ajith Jayasekera, SLC Head of Cricket Operations Ashley de Silva, Sports Minister C. B. Ratnayake and the Attorney General too were cited as Respondents.
The Petitioner sought for the elections of office-bearers without permitting Sri Lanka Cricket to be continuously run by a purported ‘Interim Committee.’
He also sought a declaration form the Court that the actions and/or inactions and/or conduct of the Respondents and/or the State have resulted in the infringement, continuous and imminent further infringement of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution to the Petitioner and/or members of the United Southern Cricket Club.
The Supreme Court on 11 October last year had granted leave to proceed with the fundamental right petition for the alleged infringement of the fundamental right to equality and equal protection of the law.
Denzil Gunaratne PC with Buddhika Jayasinghe, Viran Corea and Sarita de Fonseka instructed by Udayanthi Seniviratne appeared for the Petitioner.
Romesh De Silva with Kushan de Alwis and Eraj de Silva appeared for Nishantha Ranatunga. Sanjeeva Jayawardena appeared for Sujeeva Rajapaksha. Deputy Solicitor General Shavindra Fernando with Senior State Counsel Nerin Pulle appeared for the Attorney General.
