Crucial to use SC decision to show Parliamentary majority - Sajith Premadasa

Colombo (News1st) - Following the Supreme Court's decision to issue an interim order against the dissolution of Parliament, a large number of MPs who were present at the Supreme Court premises, spoke to the media. UNP Deputy Leader MP Sajith Premadasa noted that the Supreme Court's order has ensured that democracy has been protected and that the rule of law has been secured. He added that this gives a clear signal to the entire country that the Supreme Court and the judiciary stand ready to deliver fair decisions in an impartial manner. Premadasa added that they must now use this decision to establish democracy and showcase a parliamentary majority. He noted that the most important question at this juncture is who holds the majority in Parliament. UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake speaking to the media noted that the Supreme Court has guaranteed the people's right. Another UNP MP, Dr. Jayampathy Wickremeratne noted that the interim order suspends the gazette dissolving parliament till the 7th of December and as such paves the way for Parliament to be convened. Ajith P. Perera, also of the UNP, stated that the citizens of the country are now reaping the benefits of strengthening the judiciary through the 19th amendment. He noted that this is not a victory for the UNP or for himself but noted that this is a victory for the constitution and the citizens of the country. JVP MP Bimal Rathnayake stated that they have not come forward to help the UNP or Mahinda Rajapaksa. He added that the JVP filed this petition in the name of our country's democracy. Rathnayake noted that they will work to send President Maithripala Sirisena and the present Government home, for violating the constitution. Attorney-at-Law Premanath C. Dolawatte speaking to the media urged the general public not to be misled by statements made by politicians. He explained that the Supreme Court has not canceled the gazette notification which dissolved parliament and called for elections. He noted that this gazette has been merely suspended till the 7th adding that they have been given sufficient time to make submissions and file objections and counter objections.  When questioned if it is legal to convene Parliament, Dolawatte noted that since the gazette dissolving parliament has been suspended, the President could convene parliament or take a different decision.