Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court dismissed a petition filed by a Colombo-based NGO against the appointment of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka as a government minister, reports Colombo Gazette.
The petition, was filed by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), challenged the appointment of the former army commander stating that it violates Sri Lanka’s constitution.
CPA stated that under Article 99A of the Sri Lankan constitution, Mr Fonseka should not be appointed as a minister as district nomination papers or national lists submitted by political parties did not include his name.
The appointment sparked criticism from human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch who said it sends “worrying signals on accountability” from both the Sri Lankan president and prime minister.
Mr Fonseka hit back by saying, “Human Rights Watch Asia Head is violating my human rights”.
See our earlier posts:
Fonseka accuses HRW Asia head of violating his human rights (25 Feb 2016)
Former army commander sworn in as Sri Lankan minister (25 Feb 2016)
Fonseka appointment sends ‘worrying signals on accountability’ in Sri Lanka – HRW (11 Feb 2016)
Suspected war criminal Sarath Fonseka takes oath as MP (10 Feb 2016)
Fonseka's party joins UNP led coalition (03 Feb 2016)