The Supreme Court has scheduled 30 September to hear a fundamental rights petition filed by former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, challenging the preferential vote count of New Democratic Front (NDF) candidates in the Kalutara District during the last General Election.

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Janak de Silva, and Sampath Abeykoon took up the petition today and set the hearing date.

Senaratne claims that irregularities in the vote-counting process cost him a parliamentary seat, with the difference between his and the elected MP’s preferential votes standing at just 119. He seeks a Supreme Court ruling declaring a violation of his fundamental rights and an order for a recount and revised results.

The petition names the Election Commission, its chairman and members, the Kalutara District Returning Officer, MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena, and the Attorney General as respondents.

Attorney-at-Law Keerthi Tilakaratne and President’s Counsel Faiz Musthapha appeared for Senaratne.