Galle lawyers file FR petitions challenging the deployment of armed forces on the ramparts during the Sri Lanka Australia test match.
Eleven lawyers today filed separate Fundamental Rights petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the deployment of Army personnel to forcefully disperse peaceful protesters from the ramparts of the Galle Fort on June 29.
The Petitioners stated that this incident occurred during the second day of the first test match played between Sri Lankan and Australian Cricket teams at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Attorneys-at-law Nalani Manatunga, Chandana Kodakandage, Gopika Lokuge, Thusitha Madusanka, Smith Thushara Gallage, Eranga Ruwan Hemantha, Jothirathna Arachchi, Kumudu Nanayakkara, Chandranath Narangoda, Renuka Shanthimala and Kusumawathi Pahala Gamage filed these petitions naming the Minister of Public Security, IGP, Army Commander, Attorney General and several others as respondents.
The Petitioners state that they decided to go to the Ramparts to watch the cricket match and to cheer and support the Sri Lankan team.
They also said they intended to voice their protests against the conduct of the President and the Government.
Accordingly, the Petitioners reached the ramparts of the Galle Fort along with a group of other lawyers with National Flags in their hands. They tried entering the ramparts of the Galle Fort from the Public Entrance near the Clock Tower in Galle Fort.
They further state that the arrival of military personnel with firearms at the ramparts of the Galle Fort whilst police officers were present, and without any authority whatsoever, is grossly illegal and a danger to the life of the Petitioners, other protestors and also to the lives of the general public.
The petitioners are further seeking a declaration that the Fundamental Rights of the Petitioners as guaranteed by Article 11, Article 12(1), Article 14(1)(a), Article 14(1)(b) and Article 14(1)(h) of the Constitution have been violated by the respondents.
Attorney-at-law Manoja Gunawardene filed the petition in the Supreme Court.
