2 September 2022 08:34 am Views - 114
by Lakmal Sooriyagoda
A Fundamental Rights petition filed by Rev. Fr. Jeewantha Peiris was yesterday withdrawn by himself before Supreme Court.
In his petition, Fr.Jeewantha Peiris who became an active participant in the “GotaGoGama” protest sought an order preventing police and tri-forces from arresting him in connection with the Galle Face protest incidents.
President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne appearing for the petitioner sought court’s permission to withdraw the petition since his client had been released on bail by the Magistrate’s Court. He said his client no longer wished to proceed with the application.
Accordingly, Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justice Priyantha Jayawardena, Justice Yasantha Kodagoda and Justice Arjuna Obeysekera allowed the petitioner to withdraw the petition. The petition was dismissed accordingly. Fr.Jeewantha Peiris has been released on bail after surrendering before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court in connection with three cases filed against him.
The petitioner states he joined the “GotaGoGama” protest from about April 09, 2022 and thereafter became an active participant in the protest in order to bring justice to the people who were made to suffer by the Government led by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.