The three Fundamental Rights petitions filed with the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka seeking a ruling that the imposition of the State of Emergency under the Public Security Ordinance violates the people’s Fundamental Rights will be heard on August 12th.
On Wednesday, the petitions were called up in the presence of Justices Yasantha Kodagoda and Arjuna Obeysekera (10).
Senior State Counsel Rajiv Goonetilleke, appearing for the respondents, informed the court that limited objections will be filed in relation to these petitions, and emphasised that he objects to the petition’s consideration.
As the petitioners seek an Interim Injunction, the Senior State Counsel requested that the applications be heard in front of a three-judge bench.
However, the petitioners’ counsel noted that the applications were filed as a matter of urgency and thus needed to be taken up for consideration without delay.
Respondents in the applications included the Attorney General, Gamini Senarath, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, and Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne on behalf of the President.