The Supreme Court has rendered a verdict stating that the decision taken by the political party 'Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya' to cancel the party membership of MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera is in contravention of the law. This decisive judgment was delivered when the petition filed by Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera was considered on October 13.

Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera's petition sought a ruling from the court declaring that 'Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya's' decision to cancel his party membership was in violation of the law.

The controversy dates back to October 2021 when 'Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya' formally informed both the National Election Commission and the Parliament of its decision to revoke Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera's party membership. The party explained that despite its decision to vote against the Colombo Port Economic Commission Act, it had rescinded the Thera's membership following a disciplinary inquiry into allegations that he had voted in favor of the Act at his own discretion.

This Supreme Court determination follows closely on the heels of the recent decision regarding the expulsion of Naseer Ahamed from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), which was deemed lawful. Naseer Ahamed's disqualification as a Member of Parliament and the transfer of his ministerial portfolio for Environment to President Ranil Wickremesinghe have significantly reshaped the political landscape in Sri Lanka.