A petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal seeking a writ to invalidate Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannilage’s position as a Member of Parliament.

The petition was submitted by Oshala Herath, President of the Abhinawa Nidawal Peramuna. The respondents named in the petition include Minister Upali Pannilage, the Secretary Genearal of Parliament, the University of Ruhuna, and its Vice-Chancellor.

The petitioner claims that Dr. Pannilage was appointed as a National List MP following the last general election. However, the petition alleges that he was serving as a social science professor at the University of Ruhuna at the time of his appointment, which, according to Article 91 of the Constitution, disqualifies him from holding a position in Parliament while engaged in government service.

The petition requests the Court of Appeal to declare that Minister Pannilage is constitutionally disqualified from being elected, sitting, or voting in Parliament. It further seeks a writ to nullify his parliamentary appointment.