FR petition filed at SC preventing arrest of Madumadawa

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) deputy leader Madumadawa Aravinda today filed a fundamental rights petition at the Supreme Court (SC) seeking an interim order preventing him from being arrested in connection of his alleged presence during a tense situation that erupted in Minuwangoda on May 13.

Filing the case on behalf of Mr. Madumadawa, PHU Propaganda Secretary Attorney-at-law Thushara Dissanayake told media that it was a trap by the Government to arrest Mr. Madumadawa and added they would not fall into that trap.

“The Government uses the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as a tool to suppress anti-government activists,” Dissanayake said.

“It is attempting to put Mr. Madumadawa behind bars under article 3(1) and clause 3(3) of the ICCPR,” he added.

He said they would obtain the restricting order after submitting required evidence to prove Mr. Madumadawa’s innocence.

Earlier, Madumadawa Aravinda has failed to appear at the Minuwangoda Police Station at two instances – on May 19 and 20 – despite summons being issued to be present to provide a statement in connection with his alleged presence during a tense situation in Minuwangoda," a senior police officer of the Minuwangoda Police told Daily Mirror.

Mr. Aravinda had reportedly told the media that he had to leave the Minuwangoda Police Station without giving a statement when he was first summoned as there was no one to record his statement. (Sheain Fernandopulle)