NPP files writ petitions challenging rejection of nomination papers

The National People’s Power (NPP), the ruling party of Sri Lanka, has filed three separate writ petitions contesting the rejection of their nomination papers for the Mawanella, Medawachchiya, and Damana Pradeshiya Sabhas ahead of the 2025 Local Government Election.

NPP Secretary Dr. Nihal Abesinghe, along with several others, submitted these petitions, naming the relevant Returning Officers, District Election Officers, and the Election Commission’s Chairman and Members, among others, as respondents.

The petitioners are seeking an interim order to prevent the returning officers from proceeding with the Local Government Election for these three councils, which is scheduled to take place on May 6.

The petitions highlight specific reasons for the rejection of the NPP’s nomination papers.

For the Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha, the Returning Officer rejected the papers due to the failure to submit certified copies of birth certificates or affidavits confirming the birth dates of candidates classified as youth candidates.

This omission, according to the petitioners, does not meet the requirements outlined in Sections 28(4a), 28(2a), and 31(1)(e) of the Local Government Election Ordinance.

For the Medawachchiya Pradeshiya Sabha, the nomination paper was rejected because not all candidates had authenticated their signatures on the affirmation, as mandated by the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

The failure to comply with Section 28(4) of the Local Government Election Ordinance was cited as the basis for rejection.

The NPP’s legal challenge was filed through Attorney-at-Law Manjula Balasooriya, as they seek legal recourse to contest these decisions ahead of the May election.