High Court rejects Salleys application for compensation

  A request made by former Western Province Governor Azath Salley, demanding compensation from three SLPP Parliamentarians upon his acquittal from a criminal case was today rejected by Colombo High Court. High Court Judge Amal Ranaraja made this order after considering an application filed on behalf of Azath Salley demanding compensation upon his acquittal from the case filed by Attorney General. On December 2  last year, the Colombo High Court  ordered to acquit and release Azath Salley from a case filed against him over a statement he made on March 9, 2021. Three parliamentarians Mohomed Muzammil, Nimal Piyatissa and Jayananda Wellabada who made complaints against Azath Salley were noticed to appear in court by Colombo High Court for allegedly causing Salley's arrest without sufficient grounds. President's Counsel Maithri Gunaratne appearing for Salley moved Court that compensation be awarded to his client for the loss of time, income and for his expenses in the matter in terms of section 17(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act. According to section 17(2), the court can award compensation as it thinks fit to be paid by the persons who caused the arrest. Salley was incarcerated for a period of eight months for allegedly committing offences come under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA)and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act in connection with the controversial statement he made on March 9, 2021.