The Court of Appeal today fixed July 2, 2026 for arguments in the Quo Warranto application filed against Parliamentarian Archchuna Ramanathan, challenging his eligibility to continue holding office as a Member of Parliament.
The case was taken up before a Court of Appeal bench comprising Justice Mayadunne Corea and Justice Mahen Gopallawa.
The application was filed by Oshala Herath, leader of the Abhinawa Niwahal Peramuna, who claims that MP Ramanathan submitted his nomination for the recent general election while still serving as a government medical officer. The petitioner argues that submitting nominations without first resigning from government service violates provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act.
Counsel appearing for the first respondent, MP Archchuna Ramanathan, sought further time to file objections, informing court that the MP had not yet received access to his personal file.
Appearing for the State, State Counsel informed court that the personal file is currently with the relevant Ministry and that the first respondent could access the documents subject to stipulated conditions.
Counsel for the petitioner told court that the first respondent was repeatedly seeking time as a dilatory tactic, arguing that the delay was benefiting him. Counsel for MP Ramanathan denied the allegation.
The Court subsequently granted a final date for the first respondent to file objections and fixed the matter for argument on July 2, 2026.
Counsel N.K. Ashokbharan appeared for petitioner Oshala Herath, while Counsel Senani Dayaratne appeared for MP Archchuna Ramanathan. State Counsel Prabhashanee Jayasekera appeared on behalf of the State. (Newswire)