The scheduled hearing for State Minister Diana Gamage's expulsion petition, challenging the decision of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to remove her from party membership, faced a delay. The three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, tasked with the case, had to be postponed due to the unavailability of Justice Kumuduni Wickremasinghe.
In light of Justice Wickremasinghe's indisposition, a two-judge bench led by Justice Gamini Amarasekara has rescheduled the hearing for further arguments on February 9.
Diana Gamage, in her petition, seeks a declaration that her expulsion from the SJB, as communicated through a letter dated October 8, 2021, violates the constitution of the SJB. She contends that the party's decision to expel her was both unlawful and in contradiction to the principles of natural justice.
Representing Diana Gamage, President's Counsel Faiszer Musthapha, along with Counsel Shaheeda Barrie, Mehran Careem, and Amila Perera, appeared during the proceedings. On behalf of SJB leader Sajith Premadasa, President's Counsel Faisz Musthapha, with Counsel Keerthi Tillekaratne, presented the party's stance. President's Counsel Jayampathy Wickramaratne, along with Farman Cassim PC, represented the SJB General Secretary.
The case's postponement highlights the significance of the indisposition of one judge, emphasizing the complexities involved in this legal challenge.
