Supreme Court Wraps Up Hearings on Organized Crime Bill

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Supreme Court concluded hearings on 26 petitions filed challenging certain provisions of the proposed Prevention of Organized Crimes Bill, alleging that they violate fundamental rights.

The petitions were filed by several parties, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

The petitioners sought a determination that the proposed Bill should be passed only with a special two-thirds majority in Parliament and approval at a referendum.

The petitions were taken up before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Achala Wengappuli, and Justice Sampath Abeykoon.

Upon conclusion of the hearing, the bench directed the petitioners to submit their written submissions regarding the issues raised before 4.00 p.m. today.

The judges further ordered that the Attorney General's written submissions be filed on the 9th of this month.

Following the conclusion of arguments by the petitioners, Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, informed court that the concerns raised by the petitioners could be considered.

Accordingly, the bench directed the petitioners to submit their written submissions highlighting the disputed provisions before 4.00 p.m. tomorrow.

President's Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, Saliya Peiris, M.A. Sumanthiran, Eraj de Silva, Ali Sabry, and Naveen Marapana, together with Attorneys-at-Law Suren Gnanaraja, Lakshan Dias, Rukshan Senadheera, and Ruwantha Cooray, appeared before court.

Appearing for the Attorney General were Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshi Herath, Dr. Avanthi Perera, Additional Solicitor General Sudarshana de Silva, and Solicitor General and President's Counsel Viraj Dayaratne.