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Protesters slam Attorney General’s alleged moves to drop key cases

Published

1 month ago

2025/02/8

Thilina Walpola

Protestors. Pic by Nishan S. Priyantha

By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon and A.J.A. Abeynayake

Journalists, civil activists, lawyers, and members of civil organisations staged a protest on Thursday (06) to voice concerns over alleged moves by the Attorney General to withdraw from several high-profile cases, including one pertaining to the murder of The Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickrematunge.

Protesters displayed placards with slogans such as “Deliver justice for the slain Mahara prisoners,” “Justice for Lasantha,” and “Attorney General, go home,” and continued their demonstration for over an hour and a half.

During a media briefing at the protest, lawyers claimed that certain unlawful actions by the Attorney General’s Department, carried out in contravention of legal provisions, were encroaching on the rights of victims.

Among the cases highlighted were the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court inquiry into Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder, the case involving the killing of 11 inmates at the Mahara Prison, and the Balapitiya High Court case regarding the murder of Mahesh Indika, alias Poddi Indika, of Embilipitiya. Protesters alleged that the Attorney General had recently withdrawn or was preparing to withdraw from these matters.

Following the protest, a group of five representatives—including lawyers, journalists, and civil organisation members—visited the Attorney General’s Department to hand over a letter detailing their concerns.

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Two books written based on parliamentary legacy presented to PM

Published

7 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was presented with two books namely ’Darkness at Daybreak’ by . Nandasiri Jasen Thuliyan and ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ by Attorney-at-Law Nihal Senewiratne on March 15, at the Parliament premises.Both publications were written based on parliamentary recollection of events. Notably, Mr. Nihal Senewiratne, who served as the Secretary General to Parliament for 17 years, authored ’Memories of 33 Years in Parliament’ based on his extensive 33-year tenure in parliamentary service.The event was attended by the Attorney, Mrs. Dhanushki Liyanapatabendi.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence – President

Published

7 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake instructed police chiefs of the Southern Province to carry out their duties without any influence. The President further stated that his government would facilitate this process by ensuring political authority provides the necessary assistance.

President Disanayake made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with police chiefs of the Southern Province.

The President emphasized that everyone must abide by the country’s fundamental laws and stated that enforcing these laws is the responsibility of the police department.

During the discussion, police chiefs of the Southern Province briefed the President on reports related to organized crimes and drug-related offenses. In response, President Disanayake instructed officials to take all necessary measures swiftly to combat crimes.

He also directed the officers to strengthen law enforcement processes to protect public law and order without any external influence.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Southern Province police chiefs were also present at the discussion.

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President holds discussions with Western Province Police chiefs

Published

7 hours ago

2025/03/18

Priyan

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that steps will be taken to provide the necessary facilities to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse, as well as to introduce new legislation.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with the police chiefs of the Western Province.

He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a key responsibility of the Police Department.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake further stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala; Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne; Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya; and several Western Province police chiefs were also present at the event.