SC to resume hearing FR case against Sirisena continuing to occupy Col. 07 residence

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Supreme Court will next hear on 29 June, the Fundamental Rights Violation petition filed by the Centre for Policy Alternatives against former President Maithripala Sirisena occupying a house, which he used as his official residence while in office. The house is located at Paget Road, Colombo 7.

The petitioner has complained that Maithripala Sirisena chaired the Cabinet meeting where it was decided to allow him to continue to occupy the house at issue. That was not correct. It was a violation of the Right to Equality of the citizen. This decision should be put right by the Supreme Court, the petitioner has said.

Counsel Suren Fernando appeared for the petitioner, the Centre for Policy Alternative, and its Director Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu.

Faiz Mustapaha, President’s Counsel, appeared for Maithripala Sirisena. Keerthi Tilakaratne appeared with Faiz Mustapha.

The bench comprised Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, Justice Yasantha Kodagoda and Justice A. L. Shiran Gooneratne.

The caption to the petition had to be amended by the petitioner since the Cabinet of Ministers had changed. The petitioner obtained permission from the Court to do so. Leave to proceed with this petition was granted at an earlier hearing.