Ranil’s writ petition against PCoI recommendations fixed for March 30

• The petitioner said he was led to believe that no findings and recommendations would be made against him
• There has been a complete violation of the rules of natural justice and no proper hearing has been given to him during the Presidential  Commission inquiry 

 By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

A writ petition filed by former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe seeking an order staying the operation of findings and recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to probe incidents of political victimisation, has been fixed for support by Court of Appeal. 

 Court of Appeal three-judge-bench comprising Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, Justice Devika Abeyratne and Justice D.M. Samarakoon fixed the petition for support on March 30.   

In his petition, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is seeking an Interim order suspending the operation of the findings and recommendations contained on pages 17-51 of the commission report relating to the petitioner.   
Wickremesinghe had cited the Commissioners of Presidential Commission retired Supreme Court Judge Upali Abeyratne, retired Court of Appeal Judge Chandrasiri Jayatilake and former IGP Chandra Fernando, Commission Secretary Pearl Weerasinghe and Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera as respondents.   
Wickremesinghe states that on or about September 4, 2020 he attended the Presidential Commission and was informed by the Commission that he was not being treated as a respondent, but only as a witness.   
The petitioner said he was led to believe that no findings and recommendations would be made against him.   
However, the petitioner said the Presidential Commission report contains findings and recommendations or materials about the petitioner.   

The Former Prime Minister states that there has been a complete violation of the rules of natural justice and no proper hearing has been given to him during the Presidential Commission inquiry.   
He further alleged that no proper rules of natural justice have been followed during the inquiry, and that findings and material collected against him are unreasonable, irrational and arbitrary. 

• The former Prime Minister states that there has been a complete  violation of the rules of natural justice and no proper hearing has been  given to him during the Presidential Commission inquiry