Democratic Party Leader General Sarath Fonseka today filed a writ petition before Court of Appeal seeking a writ of Mandamus directing Secretary General of Parliament to take all necessary steps to enable him to sit and vote in parliament and exercise powers privileges and immunities as a Member of Parliament.

He also sought an order calling upon Jayantha Ketagoda to show cause by what authority he claims to function as a MP.

The former Army Commander stated the incumbent President acting under article 34 of the constitution pardoned him on January 21 this year and therefore he could continue as a Member of Parliament – as he did before he was found guilty by Colombo High Court and the military tribunal.

Following the last presidential election, MP Jayantha Ketagoda said he was ready to resign from his position making way for Democratic Party Leader Sarath Fonseka to enter Parliament. Ketagoda became a Member of Parliament after General Sarath Fonseka lost his Parliamentary seat after his imprisonment.

However, a few days later, Ketagoda changed his mind and did not show willingness to resign from his Parliamentary seat.