Easter Sunday attack: SC fixes 12 FR petitions for argument

The twelve Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions against former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former IGP Pujith Jayasundara with regard to the failure on their part to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attack had been set for argument on March 8, 9 and 10 by the Supreme Court.

The petitions were taken up before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Buwaneka Aluvihare, Sisira de Abrew, Priyantha Jayawardena, L.T.B Dehideniya, Murdu Fernando and Preethi Padman Surasena.

Attorney-at-law Harsha Fernando, appearing for former Chief of Defence Staff Ravindra Wijegunawardena and Navy Commander Piyal de Silva, who have been named as respondents in the petitions, will be appearing in Court on behalf of his clients.

The Attorney General (AG) requested the Court to give them a date to file the relevant objections as the Attorney General has not yet filed any objections regarding the matter.

Accordingly, the Court granted leave to the former Chief of Defence Staff and the former Commander of the Navy to take steps to file the relevant objections on February 8 and directed the petitioners to file their counter objections before February 15.

The Court also directed all parties to file their written submissions on or before February 24, if any.(YOSHITHA PERERA)