Western Provincial Local Government Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara and the respondents have filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal seeking an interim order to prevent the holding of a secret ballot to elect the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha.
The petition has been filed by the opposition Pradeshiya Sabha members who claim to have the majority in the council.
Western Provincial Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara decided to appoint the Chairman by secret ballot at the inaugural meeting of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha held on June 17. However, 24 members walked out of the council hall in protest against the decision, and as a result, the council had to be adjourned as there was no quorum, the petitioners have stated.