Constitutional Challenge: Controversy Over Sri Lanka's Parliamentary Election Date

A petition challenging the constitutionality of Sri Lanka's November 14 parliamentary election date was filed in the Supreme Court. The petitioner argues that the election should be held on November 15, adhering to legal nomination guidelines. The case involves President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and election commission members.

A petition contesting the constitutionality of the scheduled November 14 parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka was filed at the Supreme Court on Monday. The petition, brought forth by a civil society activist, calls into question the adherence to lawful guidelines regarding election timelines.

Key respondents in this legal battle include the attorney general, the president's secretary, and members of the independent election commission. The core argument of the petition lies in its assertion that the election should occur on November 15, rather than the initially fixed date of November 14, based on the timeline set after the closure of nominations on October 11.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's decision to dissolve Parliament immediately following his September 21 election victory has sparked this debate, setting the stage for an early parliamentary contest, originally slated for August 2025, and involving 225 parliamentary seats under the district proportional representation system.

(With inputs from agencies.)