A group of petitioners, including Ministers and government MPs withdrew their writ petition today, which had been filed against former Army Commander General Shavendra Silva, IGP Chandana Wickremaratne, and other individuals. The petition alleged their failure to prevent violence following the attack on Galle Face protesters on 9 May, 2022. The withdrawal came after authorities provided an assurance to initiate a fresh inquiry into the incidents.
During the court hearing, the State Counsel, representing the Attorney General, informed the court about receiving instructions from the Minister of Public Security and the Secretary to the President regarding two crucial aspects mentioned in the petition’s prayers.
The first undertaking guarantees that the Minister of Public Security will take necessary measures, in accordance with the applicable law, to conduct an inquiry or investigation into the matters outlined in the Board of Inquiry (also known as the Wasantha Karannagoda Committee).
Additionally, the Secretary to the President has pledged to bring the contents of the aforementioned board of inquiry report, along with its findings and recommendations, to the attention of the current President.