Petition filed challenging Upali Pannilage’s Parliament appointment
A Quo Warranto application has been filed against Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Professor Upali Pannilage, seeking his disqualification as an MP.
The application was filed by public interest litigant Oshala Herath at the Court of Appeal, stating that Prof. Upali Pannilage had been appointed as a Member of Parliament under the National People’s Power (NPP) National List and was appointed a Cabinet Minister while being an officer in a public corporation.
The petitioner points out that Minister Upali Pannilage was serving as an officer of the University of Ruhuna, which is a public corporation, making him hold a contract and interest in the contract made by or on behalf of the state.
Pointing out that the Constitution of Sri Lanka bars individuals who hold any interest in public contracts from election as a Member of Parliament, the petitioner added that it is evident that Minister Upali Pannilage is disqualified to be a Member of Parliament.
2024-12-19
