News

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

Published

1 month ago

2025/02/7

Thilina Walpola

Mahinda

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Rights (FR) petition filed by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s legal team, seeking the reinstatement of his withdrawn security detail.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.

All News Advertisement

News

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.

Latest News

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.