SC grants leave to proceed

Wasantha RAMANAYAKE

The Supreme Court yesterday granted Leave to Proceed with the Rights application filed by former Sri Lankan national rugger captain Sajith Mallikarachchi.

The Bench comprised Justice Asoka de Silva with Justice Jagath Balapatabendi and Justice S.I. Imam.

Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardane for the petitioner submitted that the dissolution of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) by the Sports Minister by the gazette dated January 30 was illegal and misapplication of the Sports Law. He submitted that the appointment of an Interim Committee thereafter, too illegal and misapplication of the Sports Law.

The petitioner stated that the certain other acts and omissions including the dissolution of the SLRFU and the appointment of the interim committee was in violation of the petitioner.

The petitioner cited the Minister of Sports, the members of the selection committee appointed by the Minister, the member of the selection committee of the SLRFU and the Attorney General as respondents.

Senior State Counsel Parinda Ranasinghe appeared for the Attorney General. The hearing was fixed for July 23.