Courthouse bewildered as Maithri stayed away from the dock

The Colombo Fort Magistrate today instructed former President Maithripala Sirisena to stand in the dock during a magisterial inquiry as he stayed away from the dock, being an accused in a private plaint in connection with Easter Sunday attacks. 

When the matter was called before Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage, former President Sirisena refrained from standing in the dock. At this moment, President's Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne who appeared on behalf of the petitioner brought to the attention of court as to how an accused in a private plaint refrained from standing in the dock. President’s Counsel Faizer Mustapha appearing for former President Sirisena submitted to Court that his client was compelled to do so since Court of Appeal had issued an order postponing magisterial inquiry against his client. 

The Magistrate observed that the Court of Appeal had only prevented his court from proceeding with a charge sheet against the accused until it makes a final order. The Magistrate reiterated that the accused has not been prevented from standing in the dock.  Subsequently, the former President stood in the dock and further magisterial inquiry was fixed for March 17. 

Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando and Jesuraj Ganeshan, a victim of Easter Sunday attack, had filed a private plaint before Magistrate’s Court urging to take legal action against the former President under section 298 of Penal Code for causing deaths by negligence. 

President's Counsel Rienzie Arseculeratne with Counsel Udara Muhandiramge appeared for the petitioners.(Lakmal Sooriyagoda)