CoA disregards objections from General’s counsel

In spite of objections by counsel for Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva, the Court of Appeal yesterday (22) allowed 39 politicians including ministers, to withdraw a petition against the failure on the part of the then Army Commander to quell countrywide violence, following the SLPP goon attacks on Galle Face protesters on 09 May, 2022.

The bench consisted of President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice A. Marikkar. IGP C. D. Wickremaratne was among the other defendants.

Nearly 70 houses belonging to serving members of Parliament were set on fire by organised gangs across the country.

Faisz Musthapha, PC, who appeared for General Silva, objected to the withdrawal of the case. The Court of Appeal permitted the withdrawal of the high profile case on the basis of an assurance given by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles to the petitioners to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the May 09 and 10 incidents. Sanjeeva Jayawardena, PC, appearing for the petitioners, sought court’s permission to withdraw the case.

Appearing on behalf of the Minister of Public Security, the Additional Solicitor General said that the Public Security Minister had given an assurance in that regard.

Petitioners included Bandula Gunawardane, Prasanna Ranatunga, Shehan Semasinghe and Prasanna Ranaweera.

The case was based on a report submitted by a three-member committee, comprising Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetilleke and retired Army Commander Daya Ratnayake. (SF)