SC to hear Gammanpila FR petition on 11 July

By S.S. Selvanayagam

The Supreme Court yesterday said that it would hear the Fundamental Rights petition filed by Udaya Gammanpila, challenging the decision to arrest and detain him on allegations of fraud and forgery, on 11 July 2017.

The bench comprised justices Eva Wanasundera, Priyantha Jayawardane and Nalin Perera.

The court on 11 June 2016 granted leave to proceed with his fundamental rights petition.

The petitioner cited Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Inspector M.D.C.P. Gunathilake, its Director SSP Mevan Silva, the IGP, Australian Brian John Shaddick, his Power of Attorney holder Lasitha Indeewara Perera, SIU ASP Bandara, J.C.P. (Sydney) Jayasinghe and the Attorney General as respondents.

Romesh de Silva PC with Sugath Caldera appeared for Gammanpila. Senior State Counsel Ayesha Jinasena appeared for the Attorney General. Manohara de Silva PC appeared for Sydney Jayasinghe who was arrested and placed in remand custody. Amarasiri Panditharatne with Sanjeewa Kaluarachchi appeared for Shaddick’s Power of Attorney holder Lasitha Indeewara Perera.

Gammanpila is seeking a declaration that the respondents and the State has violated his fundamental rights. He is asking for a declaration from the court that the decision to institute proceedings against him based on the alleged complaint made by Shaddick was illegal.

Furthermore, he is seeking an interim order directing the respondents and the State to release him or enlarge him on bail while also paying him compensation of Rs. 500 million.

Gammanpilla says that in a bid to politically harass him, the IGP and Shaddick had made a false complaint against him at the behest of his political opponents.

Gammanpila said that as a key member of the Joint Opposition he plays a central role in Parliament for the group.