Gambler and tax evader Dhammika’s path to parliament cleared!

Five fundamental rights petitions filed against the appointment of businessman Dhammika Perera as a Member of Parliament through the national list, have been dismissed by the Supreme Court without being taken up for consideration. Dhammika Perera is to be appointed to fill the vacant post left by the resignation of former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

The petitions were taken up before a three-member bench comprising Justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Yasantha Kodagoda, and Arjuna Obeysekera this afternoon.

Petitions were filed against Dhammika Perera’s appointment by five parties including the Centre of Policy Alternatives, Journalist Roel Raymond, Gamini Viyangoda and social activist Chandra Jayaratne. The respondents are the Election Commission, the Secretary General of Parliament, the Secretary General of the Sri Lanka People's Front, businessman Dhammika Perera and the Attorney General.

Dhammika Perera yesterday informed the Supreme Court that he will not take oath as a Parliamentarian or a Minister until a verdict is issued pertaining to the petitions filed against him.