AG Wants Gotabaya Petition Moved to Supreme Court

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Attorney General today requested the Court of Appeal to refer to the Supreme Court a writ petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa seeking an order preventing his arrest in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.

The request was made when the petition was taken up before the Court of Appeal for consideration.

Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, appearing on behalf of the respondents, informed court that the relief sought by the petitioner involved matters relating to fundamental rights and therefore fell outside the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal.

She argued that the Court of Appeal did not have the authority to hear and determine issues of that nature and accordingly requested the court to issue an order referring the petition to the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, President's Counsel Romesh de Silva, appearing on behalf of petitioner Gotabaya Rajapaksa, concluded his submissions before the court.

The matter was subsequently postponed until July 9 for further submissions and consideration.