SC fixes hearing of MR’s FR petition over pruning of security for March 19

By A.J.A Abeynayake

The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday (06) scheduled a hearing for 19 March 2025 regarding the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s legal team, seeking the reinstatement of his withdrawn security detail.

The petition was taken up before a three-member Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Janak de Silva, and Sampath Abeykoon.

Representing the respondents, Additional Solicitor General Varunika Hettige requested additional time to seek instructions from the respondents and to file objections to the petition. The court granted the request, allowing the respondents to submit objections and permitting the petitioning party to file counter-objections, if required.

President’s Counsel Ali Sabry, representing Mahinda Rajapaksa, presented evidence arguing that the decision to reduce his client’s security had been taken without a proper threat assessment.

He argued that any decision to either reduce or increase security should be based on a formal assessment. After considering the facts presented, the bench ordered that the petition be heard again on 19 March to confirm the relevant details.

The petition, filed on 24 January, alleges that Rajapaksa’s security detail has been reduced to 60 personnel without a proper evaluation of the risks. It also claims that no armed forces personnel have been deployed for his protection, with only police officers currently assigned.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and members of the Cabinet of Ministers have been named as respondents in the petition.

Rajapaksa’s legal team contends that the reduction in his security amounts to a violation of his fundamental rights, especially given his role in ending the nearly three-decade-long civil war. The petition highlights that he continues to face threats from terrorist groups and other risks to his life.

The petitioner is seeking a court ruling that the reduction of his security constitutes a breach of his fundamental human rights. He has also requested the court to order a thorough threat assessment and to direct the respondents to reinstate his full security detail.