Court’s decision to announce on March 23

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda 

The Colombo High Court yesterday fixed for March 23 to announce its decision regarding a request made by former Western Province Governor Azath Salley, demanding compensation from three SLPP Parliamentarians upon his acquittal from a criminal case.

On December 2 last year, the Colombo High Court ordered to acquit and release Azath Salley from a case filed against him over a statement he made on March 9, 2021.
Three parliamentarians Mohomed Muzammil, Nimal Piyatissa and Jayananda Wellabada who made complaints against Azath Salley were noticed to appear in court by Colombo High Court for allegedly causing Salley’s arrest without sufficient grounds.

Azath Salley through his lawyer Maithri Gunaratne PC had sought an order demanding compensation upon his acquittal from the case filed by the Attorney General.

He moved Court that compensation be awarded to his client for the loss of time, income and for his expenses in the matter in terms of section 17(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act. According to section 17(2), the court can award compensation as it thinks fit to be paid by the persons who caused the arrest.