Supreme Court Nullifies Cabinet Decision on Former President’s Residence: Interim Injunction Issued

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Supreme Court has issued an interim injunction, effectively overturning the Cabinet’s decision to permit the continued use of the President's House on Paget Road, Colombo by former President Maithripala Sirisena, even after he left office.

The court deliberated on the matter during the hearing of fundamental rights petitions filed by the Center For Policy Alternatives and its Founder Executive Director, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu.

The bench, comprising Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Justice Gamini Amarasekara, and Justice Kumuduni Wickramasinghe, while granting the interim restraining order, noted that  the contentious decision was originally made during a Cabinet meeting on October 15, 2019, where the respondent, Maithripala Sirisena, was also present. 

The court meticulously examined the documents and evidence presented, concluding that the decision contravenes the principles of natural justice.

Previously, an interim order had been issued, suspending the Cabinet’s decision until the full hearing of the petitions take place.