By  Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Supreme Court yesterday reserved its judgement in respect of thirteen Fundamental Rights petitions filed seeking an order to prosecute those who were directly or indirectly responsible for the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.  

Accordingly, the Supreme Court would deliver its judgement regarding these petitions in due course.   The Supreme Court seven-judge-bench headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya concluded the arguments put forward by both petitioner and respondent parties. The parties were directed to file their written submissions within three weeks.  
The Supreme Court recently held that proceedings in respect of these petitions cannot be continued against President Ranil Wickremesinghe. However, the proceedings will be continued against former President Maithripala Sirisena.  

On October 2, 2019, Supreme Court decided to grant leave to proceed in terms of Article 12(1) of the constitution in respect of former President Maithripala Sirisena and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando.   

Thirteen petitioners including Sri Lanka Bar Association are pleading an order to prosecute those who directly or indirectly responsible for terrorist attacks.  Through these petitions, petitioners are pleading an order to prosecute those who are directly or indirectly responsible for the terrorist attacks. They are also claiming compensations for the victims of the terrorist attacks.   

Supreme Court seven-judge-bench comprised Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice Buwaneka Aluwihare, Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, Justice Murdu Fernando, Justice S. Thurairaja, Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz and Justice Shiran Goonaratne. President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, Manohara de Silva PC, Saliya Peiris PC, Senior Counsel Gamini Perera, Darshana Weraduwage and Chrishmal Warnasuriya appeared for the petitioners.   

Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana appeared for the Attorney General. Faizer Mustapha PC appeared for former President Maithripala Sirisena. Senior Counsel Viran Corea appeared for the former IGP. President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne appeared for former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando. Shammil Perera PC appeared for the Archbishop of Colombo.