Intervening Petitions Filed In Suresh Sallay Case

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several intervening petitions have been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking permission to support a writ petition filed by former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Salley, who is challenging his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in relation to ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The intervening petitions have been submitted by several parties, including Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera and Patriotic National Movement Convener Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara.

The petitions were taken up before a Court of Appeal bench comprising President of the Court of Appeal Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando.

During the proceedings, Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, appearing for the respondents, informed the court that the intervening petitions could only be considered if notice was first issued in relation to the main petition.

Appearing on behalf of the intervening petitioners, President's Counsel V.K. Choksy, President's Counsel Manohara de Silva, and Attorneys-at-Law Krishmal Warnasuriya, Ashokbharan and others argued that the case had attracted significant public attention and importance, and therefore the petitioners should be granted an opportunity to intervene and present submissions before court.

After considering the submissions, President of the Court of Appeal Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya observed that the intervening petitions could be considered only after the completion of the submissions by President's Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, who is appearing on behalf of the petitioner.

Accordingly, the Court of Appeal fixed July 17 for further consideration of the intervening petitions in the matter.