Residents of Jayantha Mawatha in Kelaniya, were yesterday given time till February 25, 2010, to file counter objections, in respect of the rights violation application they had filed against Dr. Mervin Silva and the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha.

The residents are S. A. S. Mangala Samaraweera, a UNP Pradeshiya Sabha member and seven others. The residents had said that they are mostly UNP supporters and had been told by Mervin Silva to join the PA. When they did not respond, the respondents decided to construct a drain, consuming a portion of their land.

The petitioners requested Court to grant them interim relief and suitable compensation.

Upul Jayasuriya appeared for the petitioners, when the case was called on yesterday. Time was granted to the petitioners to file counter objections, objecting to the objections already filed by the respondents.

The Bench comprised Justice N. G. Amaratunga, Justice K. Sripavan and Justice Chandra Ekanayake.