CA sets ex-Navy Chief Karannagoda’s writ petition for examination

By Yoshitha Perera 

The Court of Appeal yesterday set up the Writ Application filed by former Navy Commander Admiral of the fleet Wasantha Karannagoda for examination. 

A Writ Petition was filed by former Navy Commander in the Court of Appeal challenging the indictments filed against him at Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar. 

When the petition was taken up yesterday before Court of Appeal President Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere and Justice Mayadunne Correa, the bench had decided to set up the petition for examination. 

Earlier, the Court of Appeal has issued an interim order preventing Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar from hearing the case against former Navy Commander. 

The Attorney General in January last year filed indictments against 14 accused including former Navy Commander over the abduction and enforced disappearance of 11 youths between 2008 -2009 and later a Trial-at-Bar was appointed by the Chief Justice to conduct the proceedings. 

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sarath Jayamanne appearing on behalf of the AG’s department raised objections earlier stating that the Court of Appeal has no jurisdiction to intervene in High Court proceedings.