Attorney General Opposes Intervening Petitions Over Suresh Salley’s Detention

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Attorney General informed the Court of Appeal today that he objects to a series of intervening petitions seeking permission to participate in the case filed by former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Salley, who has requested an order declaring his detention under detention orders in connection with the Easter Sunday terror attacks unlawful.

Twelve intervening petitions filed by several parties, including Venerable Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera and Desha Hithaishi National Movement Convener Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara, were taken up today before a Court of Appeal bench comprising President of the Court of Appeal Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando.

During the proceedings, Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, appearing on behalf of the respondents, informed court that she objected to the consideration of the intervening petitions.

President’s Counsel Manohara de Silva, appearing for petitioner Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara, argued that according to the Supreme Court judgment in SC Writ Application No. 349/22, any person is entitled to intervene and make submissions when executive power is exercised arbitrarily.

He further submitted that the arrest of former State Intelligence Chief Suresh Salley had been carried out arbitrarily and that such action was contrary to the law.

President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, appearing on behalf of petitioner Suresh Salley, stated that he had no objection to the intervening petitioners being permitted to make submissions before court.

The petitions are scheduled to be taken up again tomorrow for further consideration.