Jan 27, Colombo: The Court of Appeal ordered yesterday (26) to give State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage time until February 17 to file objections to the writ petition filed by a social activist requesting the issuance of a writ to revoke the position of State Minister Diana Gamage as a Member of Parliament.

The court ordered this after taking into consideration the facts presented by President's Counsel Shamindra Fernando, who appeared on behalf of Mrs. Gamage.

This petition has been filed by a social activist, Mr. Oshala Herath, requesting that the Minister of State for Tourism, Mrs. Diana Gamage, be issued an order declaring her ineligible to hold the position of Member of Parliament as she is a British citizen.

This petition was considered before a panel of judges of the Court of Appeal consisting of judges Sobitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola.

President's Counsel Shamindra Fernando, appearing for State Minister Diana Gamage, told the court that they need time to file the objections related to this petition as certain documents need to be obtained from the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. Accordingly, the court decided to grant time for objections until February 17.