Red warrant obtained against Royal Park convict: AG

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda 

The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court yesterday that authorities have obtained a red warrant for the arrest of Jude Shamantha Jayamaha, who was sentenced to death in connection with the Royal Park murder case.  

State Counsel who appeared for the Attorney General, made this revelation when a Fundamental Rights petition challenging former President Sirisena’s decision to grant a Presidential pardon to Jude Shamantha Jayamaha was called before the Supreme Court. The petition was taken up before the Supreme Court to evaluate the progress of implementing the court order.  

On June 6, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that former President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to grant a Presidential pardon to Royal Park murder convict Don Shamantha Jude Anthony Jayamaha was arbitrary and invalid in law. The Court further directed the Attorney General and all relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to arrange Jayamaha’s extradition, as he is considered a convict on death row. 

This matter to be called again on September 1. President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena with Counsel Rukshan Senadheera appeared for the petitioner. Saliya Peiris PC appeared for the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.