Notice issued in Ampara election petition

Wasantha Ramanayake

The Court of Appeal yesterday issued notice on the respondents in the election petition challenging the recently concluded Eastern Provincial Council election in respect of the Ampara District.

Justice Sisira de Abrew ordered the notice to be issued on the respondents. Petitioners M.T. Hassen Ali of Ninthavur and D.D.K. Gamage of Ampara cited 20 respondents in their petition including the Election Commissioner, Ampara District Returning Officer Sunil Kannangara, the returned candidates of the UPFA and UNP as respondents.

The petitioners stated that the election in respect of the Ampara district was void since it was marred by violence, general intimidation and acts of non-compliance in terms of the Provincial Councils Election Acts.

They stated that a section of electors were prevented from voting for the party of their choice and there had been instances of widespread impersonation and ballot stuffing in several areas.

Ikram Mohamed PC instructed by G.G. Arulpragasam appeared for the petitioner. The notice are returnable on July 11.