The Court of Appeal today, responding to a petition filed by 122 MPs, issued an interim order prevented former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and members of his purported government from functioning as Prime Minister, Minister, Deputy Ministers and State Ministers. 

Considering the arguments of both sides, the CA said irreversible damage could be caused if persons not entitled to sit as Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers do so. 

As per the interim order, the former president and his purported government must vacate their positions immediately and appear in court at the next hearing. 

Arguments have been fixed for December 12 and 13.