Pujith Jayasundara withdraws his FR petition

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Fundamental Rights petition filed by former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara seeking an order suspending former President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to send him on compulsory leave following the Easter Sunday bomb attacks was yesterday withdrawn by himself before the Supreme Court. The petition was dismissed accordingly. 

Counsel who appeared on behalf of the former IGP informed the court that his client does not intend to proceed with this petition since he has retired from police service.  

Pujith Jayasundara had sought a declaration that the actions of the former President and other respondents had infringed the fundamental rights of the Petitioner guaranteed under Article 12(1) of the Constitution.The former IGP stated that he was excluded by the former President from attending National Security Council (NSC) meetings from early October 2018 until after the Easter Sunday attacks of 21st April 2019. He said the former President decided to send him on compulsory leave in an arbitrary manner contrary to the laws.Senior counsel Viran Corea under the instructions of Dinesh Vidanapathirana appeared for the petitioner.