Enjoining order against UNP extended

Sandasen Marasinghe

Colombo District Court yesterday extended the enjoining order that restrained UNP suspending the party membership of Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha Deputy Chairman Antony Michael Cooray and Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha Member R.A. Thayagiratne Alwis. Colombo District Judge Laffar Thahir extended the enjoining orders issued on an earlier date in connection with two separate plaints filed by the plaintiffs.

The Court also extended the enjoining orders issued staying the UNP from informing the District Returning Officer that the party memberships of plaintiffs had been suspended. Plaintiffs cited UNP, its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, its General Secretary Tissa Attanayake and three others as respondents.

Antony Cooray filed the plaint alleging that the UNP was attempting to suspend his membership on the basis that he violated the UNP constitution by his act of supporting the Government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to overcome the burning issues faced by the country.

Alwis filing the plaint submitted 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.

Attorney Ali Sabri appeared for plaintiffs instructed by Athula de Silva.