The Fundamental Rights petition filed by former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara seeking an order suspending former President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to send him on compulsory leave following the Easter Sunday bomb attacks was today withdrawn by himself before the Supreme Court. The petition was dismissed accordingly.
Counsel who appeared on behalf of the former IGP informed the court that his client does not intend to proceed with this petition since he has retired from the police service.
Pujith Jayasundara had sought a declaration that the former President’s and other respondents’ actions had violated the Petitioner’s fundamental rights as guaranteed by Article 12(1) of the Constitution.
The former IGP stated that he was excluded by the former President from attending National Security Council (NSC) meetings from early October 2018 until after the Easter Sunday attacks of April 21, 2019. He further said that despite being the Inspector General of Police, he had been excluded from attending NSC meetings since October 2018. He said the former President decided to send him on compulsory leave in an arbitrary manner, contrary to the laws.
