The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that 31 suspects have been identified in connection with the investigation into the violent attack on the ‘Gota Go Gama’ protest site at Galle Face during the ‘Aragala’ protest movement in May 2022, and confirmed that charges will also be filed against the then Senior DIG, Deshabandu Tennakoon.
State Counsel Sajith Bandara, representing the Attorney General, stated before the court that indictments against the suspects are expected to be filed in the near future.
This submission was made when the Supreme Court considered five fundamental rights petitions filed by a group of activists alleging that police and other authorities violated their fundamental rights by failing to prevent the attack on May 9, 2022.
The petitions were taken up before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justices Shiran Gunaratne and Achala Vengappuli.
State Counsel Bandara further informed the court that the Court of Appeal had previously issued an interim injunction affecting the investigation. However, he noted that the Supreme Court later suspended that injunction, allowing the investigation to proceed.
He revealed that 31 individuals have been identified as suspects and confirmed that indictments will soon be filed against them under the Criminal Procedure Code. When Chief Justice Surasena inquired under which law the case would be filed, Bandara reiterated that charges would be filed in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code.
The State Counsel also stated that several former Members of Parliament of the previous government are among the suspects identified.
During the hearing, counsel representing the petitioners presented evidence claiming that the attack occurred due to police inaction. Responding, State Counsel Bandara acknowledged that a large number of police officers equipped with water cannons were present at the scene but failed to act appropriately.
He further informed the court that criminal charges would be filed against the then Senior DIG of the Western Province, Deshabandu Tennakoon, for failing to take necessary action during the incident.
Appearing on behalf of Tennakoon, Attorney Sanjeewa Weerawickrama argued that hearing the fundamental rights petitions while criminal charges are being prepared against his client would cause serious prejudice. He requested that the court consider proceeding with the petitions only after the criminal process is completed.
After hearing submissions, the Supreme Court adjourned the matter and will deliver its decision in due course.
During proceedings, all parties agreed not to continue with the fundamental rights petitions against former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa, as criminal charges will not be filed against them.
Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon, and several other senior police officers are among those named as respondents in the petitions.
