The Supreme Court has once again taken up the petition filed by State Minister Diana Gamage, challenging the decision made by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to revoke her membership in the party.
During the hearing, a three-member trial bench comprising Justices Gamini Amarasekara, Kumuduni Wickremesinghe, and Mahinda Samayawardena presided over the case.
Representing SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, President’s Counsel Jayampathy Wickramaratne argued before the court that several key parties relevant to the case had not been named as respondents in the petition. He stressed that essential parties such as members of the SJB’s executive board and disciplinary committee were omitted, constituting a serious legal error.
Wickramaratne contended that Gamage's decision to support the ruling party without prior approval from SJB violated the party's constitution and disciplinary norms. He asserted that expelling Gamage from the SJB was lawful and urged the court to dismiss her petition.
The SJB had expelled National List MP Gamage for voting in favor of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, contrary to the party's decision. This action was deemed a serious breach of party discipline, leading to her suspension by SJB leader Sajith Premadasa for the party's reputation and prosperity.
