The Supreme Court today ordered to discharge President Ranil Wickremesinghe from the court proceedings on the Fundamental Rights petitions filed over the economic crisis in the country.

These petitioners are seeking an order to take legal action against those responsible for financial irregularities and mismanagement of the economy.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court decided to name former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a respondent in the petitions since presidential immunity does not apply to him following his resignation from the post of President.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court directed the registrar to issue notice on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, returnable for August 1.

Three university academics, Sri Lankan swimmer and coach Julian Bolling, former Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chandra Jayaratne, Transparency International and Jehan Canaga Retna, filed these petitions urging authorities to take legal action against the main culprits responsible for the current economic crisis.

The petitioners had named 39 individuals, including then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, former Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundara, former Governors of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal and W.D. Lakshman and former Ministry of Finance Secretary S.R. Atygalle as respondents.

President’s Counsel Chandaka Jayasundere appearing on behalf of the petitioners, informed the court that the petitioners are not expecting to seek relief against President Ranil Wickremesinghe, although cited as a respondent. Accordingly, he moved the Supreme Court to release President Ranil Wickremesinghe from the court proceedings.

A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya decided to terminate court proceedings against President Wickremesinghe and discharge from the case proceedings on these Fundamental Rights petitions.

President’s Counsel Ronald Perera with Senior Counsel Eraj de Silva appeared on behalf of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle appeared for the Attorney General.