The Attorney General today gave an undertaking before the Court of Appeal that temporary structures at the Galle Face “GotaGoGama” will not be removed contrary to the law until the 10th of August.
Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena PC appearing for the Attorney General gave this assurance when the writ applications filed by four protesters at the GotaGoHome were taken up for hearing.
Dharmawardena informed the Court that instructions on the assurance will be conveyed to the Inspector General of Police.
However, the Court observed that this undertaking will not be an obstacle for the protesters to remove their remaining structures.
Police had made an announcement urging to vacate all those who are illegally occupying Galle Face and adjacent areas, before 5 pm on the 5th of August.
President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris with M.A. Sumanthiran appeared for the petitioners.
The Court of Appeal bench comprised Justice Sobhitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola.
Four Galle Face protesters had filed four writ petitions seeking an order preventing the authorities from taking any steps to cause the eviction of the protesters at Gota Go Gama in Galle Face Green.
Fort Police OIC Sagara Liyanage, Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickremaratne, Urban Development Authority and Attorney General are the respondents of the petitioners.
The petitioners stated that on August 3rd at around 5:30 pm, several police officers claiming to be from the Fort Police Station arrived at Galle Face.
The area in question has been designated by the Government for the protestors.
The petitioners stated that the protestors were occupying the said site for over 120 days and erected tents and other temporary structures. These structures include a library.
The Petitioners stated that police have no authority in law to evict those occupying the area of the Gota Go Gama without an order from a competent court according to the law.
