Court of Appeal Dismisses Gotabaya Rajapaksa's Petition to Prevent Arrest in Easter Attacks Probe

The Sri Lankan Court of Appeal today dismissed a writ petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. The court, comprising President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Sarath Dissanayake, ruled against intervening in the investigative process, stating that investigations are crucial for the criminal justice system. Rajapaksa's legal team has indicated their intention to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court, with arguments for leave to appeal scheduled for October 9th.

Key facts

• The Sri Lankan Court of Appeal dismissed a writ petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
• Rajapaksa sought to prevent his arrest in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks probe.
• The court, comprising President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Sarath Dissanayake, ruled against intervening.
• The court emphasized the importance of investigations for the criminal justice system.
• Rajapaksa's legal team plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
• Arguments for leave to appeal are scheduled for October 9th.

Sources

• Newsfirst Sinhala