The Supreme Court has set today (16) to call the petition filed in the Supreme Court against the circular issued by the State Administration Secretary Mr. Neel Bandara Hapuhinna suspending the acceptance of bail money in the local government election on the 23rd of next month.
This petition was considered today before the three-judge bench of Priyantha Jayawardena, Murdu Fernando and Achala Vengappuli.
Since this is a petition about an attempt to interfere with the universal suffrage of the people, President’s Advocate Mr. Upul Jayasuriya, who appeared on behalf of the petitioner, requested the bench to set a date for its consideration as soon as possible.
The Additional Solicitor General President’s Attorney Mr. Neril Pulle, who appeared for the Attorney General, pointed out to the court that the circular issued by the Secretary of the Cabinet was withdrawn by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration after a few hours.
He also pointed out that he has expressed his regret to the Election Commission.
Samagi Jana Balawega’s Colombo Municipal Council Mayoral candidate Mr. Mujibur Rahman has filed this petition.