Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s petition hearing begins

The Court of Appeal has commenced today (18), the consideration of the petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The hearing is taking place before a bench led by Court of Appeal President Justice Rohana Abeysuriya.

During proceedings held yesterday, the court had directed that the matter be recalled today for confirmation of submissions.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal yesterday that he had not yet received instructions from the respondents regarding the petition filed by the former President.

At the earlier hearing, Justice Priyantha Fernando stated that he would recuse himself from the case due to personal reasons.

Appearing for the respondents, Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath stated that she could not give an undertaking to the court that the petitioner would not be arrested without obtaining instructions from the respondents.