Failure to prevent Easter Sunday attacks: Maithri’s appeals dismissed with cost

• President’s Counsel Faisz Musthapha with Counsel Pulasthi Rupasinghe appeared for the former President
• The plaintiffs were the victims of Easter Sunday bomb attacks which took place at St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda 

Colombo Civil Appellate High Court yesterday ordered to dismiss the appeal applications filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena who challenged the Colombo District Court’s decision to reject his request that he be discharged from several civil lawsuits filed by the victims of Easter Sunday attacks.

Colombo Civil Appellate High Court two-judge-bench comprising Justice Frank Gunawardena and Justice Chamath Moraes ordered to dismiss these appeals with a cost amounting to Rs.21,000 each. 

The relatives of those who died due to the suicide bomb blasts which took place in Colombo and individuals who were injured had filed 108 lawsuits before Colombo District Court claiming compensations from former President Maithripala Sirisena and several other defendants.

The plaintiffs were the victims of Easter Sunday Bomb Attacks which took place at St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade.

 On January 7, 2022 the Colombo District Court rejected the request made by former President Maithripala Sirisena that he be released from these lawsuits. 
The victims alleged that the defendants including former President Sirisena have failed to perform their official duties entrusted to prevent the terrorist attacks that took place on April 21, 2019 which caused irreparable damages to them.

President’s Counsel Faisz Musthapha with Counsel Pulasthi Rupasinghe appeared for the former President. President’s Counsel Shamil Perera appeared for the aggrieved party