The Vavuniya High Court has suspended until July 15 the extraordinary gazette notification issued by the Governor of the Northern Province removing the Mayor of the Vavuniya Municipal Council from office.
The gazette, issued by Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan, removed Mayor Sundaralingam Kandeeban following an official inquiry into alleged irregularities.
The Governor’s decision was based on the findings of an Individual Inquiry Board led by retired District Judge Kandiah Ariyanayagam, who was appointed to investigate the administration of the Vavuniya Municipal Council and the Chavakachcheri Urban Council.
After reviewing the inquiry report, the Governor concluded that Kandeeban was not qualified to continue as Mayor under the provisions of the Municipal Councils Ordinance.
However, the Vavuniya High Court has now suspended the operation of the gazette notification until July 15, pending further proceedings. (Newswire)