Attorney General Requests Supreme Court Review of Rajapaksa's Writ Petitions

The Attorney General's Department has formally requested the Court of Appeal to transfer writ petitions filed by former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to the Supreme Court. Rajapaksa seeks to prevent his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, citing recent revelations by 'Channel 4' regarding the Easter Sunday attacks.

Additional Solicitor General, President's Counsel Suvinda Herath, made the request on behalf of the Attorney General during a hearing before a two-judge bench of the Court of Appeal, comprising President Judge Rohan Abeysooriya and Judge Sarath Dissanayake. The petitions name the Inspector General of Police and the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Shani Abeysekera, among others, as respondents.

Representing Rajapaksa, President's Counsel Romesh de Silva argued that according to several Supreme Court rulings, there must be reasonable grounds for arresting an individual under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. This legal argument forms the basis of Rajapaksa's challenge against potential detention.

The case is linked to sensitive disclosures made by 'Channel 4,' which have brought renewed scrutiny to the investigation and handling of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The Attorney General's move to have the case heard by the Supreme Court suggests a desire for a higher judicial review of the legal arguments and the potential implications of the 'Channel 4' revelations on ongoing investigations and Rajapaksa's legal standing.

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According to several Supreme Court rulings, there must be reasonable grounds for arresting an individual under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.