The Court of Appeal dismissed the writ application filed by Sharmila Gonawela seeking a writ of quo warranto against the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe.

The Court of Appeal upheld the preliminary objections raised on behalf of the respondents, that jurisdiction of court had not been properly invoked.

In her petition, SLPP member Gonawela said Wickremesinghe was disqualified from being considered Member of Parliament as his appointment is illegal for the reason that a company he was involved with was doing business with state organizations and institutions which was prohibited.

The company in question is one known as 'Lake House Printers and Publishers', owned by Wickremesinghe's extended family, but at which he owns shares.

Gonawela, who is the co-chair of an organization called ‘Women for Justice’ had asked that Wickremesinghe is made to show by what authority he claims to hold office as a member of parliament.