Court restraints UNP from suspending member

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Colombo District Court yesterday issued an enjoining order restraining UNP from suspending the party membership of Wattala Pradeshiya Sabaha Member R.A. Thayagiratne Alwis. Colombo District Judge Laffar Thahir also issued another enjoining order restraining General Secretary of UNP Tissa Attanayake from informing his suspension to the returning officer.

The Court issued these orders after plaintiff Alwis filed the plaint before the Court citing UNP, Tissa Attanayake and three other members of the Disciplinary Committee of the UNP as the defendants alleging that if they expel him from the party and inform the returning officer he would suffer an irreparable loss.

Plaintiff making his submission before the Court said that he was given a charge sheet by the General Secretary Attanayake but it did not contain the provision of the party constitution that he had violated. Later an inquiry was held but plaintiff was not given an opportunity to cross examine those who gave evidence at the inquiry.

Plaintiff Alwis further said that he was deprived of natural justice by the acts of the defendants and prayed before the Court to prevent the defendants from suspending his party membership. The Court issued notice on the defendants returnable on November 04. Attorney Ali Sabri appeared for the plaintiff.