• The CA is of the view that if it does not arrive at the  above conclusion, the concept of Rule of Law will be  adversely affected

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Court of Appeal today held that Colombo Fort Magistrate should make fresh orders in terms of law when MP Johnston Fernando appears before court in due course, in connection with the attacks that took place at Galle Face.  

 The Court of Appeal is of the view that if it does not arrive at the above conclusion, the concept of Rule of Law as mentioned above will be adversely affected.   Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justices Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola observed that Johnston Fernando had surrendered not on his own accord but as a result of the interim order of the Court of Appeal.  

The Court of Appeal had issued an order directing MP Johnston Fernando to appear before Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court before 8pm on June 9.  

The Court of Appeal decided to dismiss the petition subject to the order made by the Court of Appeal in reference to the interim orders issued on June 09.   On June 08, the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Johnston Fernando in connection with the Galle Face attack case.  

In its B reports, the CID had reported to the Magistrate’s court that the Ex-Minister Fernando delivered a speech on 9th of May, in a manner of inciting people to attack the protesters at MainaGoGama. 

• CA decided to dismiss the petition subject to the order  made, in reference to the interim orders issued  on June 09