R. K. W. Goonesekera on Monday made a preliminary objection, in the Supreme Court to the fundamental rights violation plea filed by attorney-at-law Lasantha Wickrematunga, editor, Sunday Leader, challenging the appointment of the new Director General of the Permanent Commission to Investigate Bribery and Corruption.

Mr. Goonesekera said that the petition does not come within the ambit of Article 126 of the Constitution. It does not imply executive or administrative action. The petitioner does not indicate how the petitioner’s rights have been violated or is about to be violated by this appointment. He should specify that. No action is referred to, involving the three commissioners, who are made respondents.

The hearing was put off till November 23, to allow the petitioner to explain his locus standi and further to decide he will come by way of a Quo Warranto to challenge the appointment of P. Ranasinghe. (CW)