A group of opposition-aligned members of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal, seeking an interim order to prevent the holding of a secret ballot to elect the new Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the council.
The petitioners claim they hold the majority in the council and argue that the move to conduct a secret ballot undermines this position.
The controversy stems from the inaugural council meeting held on 17 June, during which Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara announced that the vote to appoint a new Chairman would be held by secret ballot. Objecting to this decision, 24 councillors walked out of the chamber, leading to the lack of a quorum, the petitioners stated.
At the session, proposals were made by both sides—one calling for an open vote and the other for a secret ballot. Since there was no consensus and two opposing motions were tabled, the Commissioner exercised her authority and decided to proceed with a secret vote.
Due to the walkout and resulting lack of quorum, the Commissioner postponed the council meeting by 30 minutes. However, as the situation remained unresolved, the session was ultimately postponed indefinitely.
As a result, no Chairman or Deputy Chairman has been elected to the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, and the appointments have now been delayed without a scheduled date.
The petitioners are seeking judicial intervention to prevent the use of a secret ballot in the selection process, arguing that such a move could alter the democratic will of the majority within the council.
