Court delivers a split verdict on Diana Gamage’s citizenship case

The Court of Appeal today decided to hear the writ petition filed over Diana Gamage's citizenship issue to be heard before a Court of Appeal three-judge-bench since Court today delivered a split verdict regarding the petition.

In this petition, the petitioner is seeking an order declaring State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage is disqualified to be a Member of Parliament since she is a British citizen.

Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice M.A.R. Marikkar delivered a split verdict and thereby this matter is to be heard before a three-judge-bench.

Social activist Oshala Herath filed this petition seeking an order in the nature of a Writ of Quo Warranto declaring that Diana Gamage is disqualified to be a Member of Parliament and is thus not entitled to hold office as a MP.

Counsel Hafeel Farisz with Nishika Fonseka appearef for the petitioner. President's Counsel Shavindra Fernando appeared for Diana Gamage.