Injunction Extended: Legal Battle Ensues within Sri Lanka Freedom Party

An injunction order, initially issued against Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Chairman Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Acting General Secretary Keerthi Udawaththa, has been extended until June 14th by the Colombo District Court. This decision comes as a result of a petition filed by SLFP Acting General Secretary Duminda Dissanayake, aiming to prevent Rajapakshe and Udawaththa from functioning in their respective roles within the party.

Colombo Additional District Judge Chamari Weerasuriya delivered the extension following a hearing that considered Dissanayake's plea to safeguard the authority of SLFP Acting Chairman Nimal Siripala de Silva and Acting General Secretary Duminda Dissanayake.

The legal battle stems from a contested meeting held on May 12th, during which Rajapakshe was purportedly appointed as SLFP Chairman. Dissanayake's petition argues that this meeting lacked legal validity, seeking to restrain interference in the party's affairs and to invalidate decisions made during the disputed gathering.

The petition names several SLFP officials as respondents, including Deputy Chief Secretary Sarath Ekanayake, Chairman Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Acting General Secretary Keerthi Udawaththa, Acting Chairman Nimal Siripala de Silva, and Senior Deputy Chairman Mahinda Amaraweera.

As tensions rise within the SLFP, the legal proceedings underscore the internal strife and the quest for control within one of Sri Lanka's prominent political parties.

In the midst of legal proceedings and internal discord, the fate of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party hangs in the balance. As the injunction against key officials is extended, the party faces a crucial juncture in its leadership and direction. With the court's decision pending until June 14th, all eyes remain fixed on the outcome, as it will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of one of the nation's significant political entities.