A Fundamental Rights Petition was filed at the Supreme Court on Monday, citing that the appointment of over 30 cabinet ministers, was unconstitutional.

The petition filed by Attorney-at-Law U.K. Aruna Laksiri, cited the President and the Attorney General as respondents.

The petition states that according to the constitution, only 30 cabinet ministers could be appointed by the President. It further points out that this number can be exceeded only in the event that a National Government is formed.

The petitioner states further in the petition that the current government is not a National Government, the definition of which entails one formed with the participation of all parties in Parliament.

The petition was taken up before a bench comprising of Justices Anil Gunaratne and Upali Abeyratne.

The Attorney General informed court that preliminary objections would be filed and the petition is to be taken up again on November 17.

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