Writ application seeks protection for gay people against discrimination

By Chitra Weerarathne

Gay people should not be marginalised, several petitioners have complained to the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal on 30 Nov. will hear a Writ Application filed by a group of petitioners complaining that the police are conducting training sessions for their officers urging them to discriminate against ‘gay people’.

The petitioners have complained that the LGBTIQ community have equal rights, under Article 12(1) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka. They should not be marginalised. The police have conducted training sessions to their officers, claiming that gay people are mentally ill.

Among the petitioners are Rozanna Flamer Caldera, Dr. Pakiasothy Saravanamuttu and several others. The respondents include the IGP, the DIG Chandana Alahakoon of Kandy, and Ama Dissanayake (Psychologist).

President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena appears with Rukshan Senadheera and Manusha Dissanayake for the petitioners.

The Court of Appeal recently directed the petitioners to support the petition on 30 November with notice to the IGP and other respondents.

The bench comprised Justice Sobitha Rajakaruna and Justice Dhammika Ganepola.