A writ petition filed by former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe seeking an order to stay the operation of the finding and recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to probe incidents of political victimization was fixed for support by the Court of Appeal.
Court of Appeal three-judge-bench comprising Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, Justice Devika Abeyratne and Justice D.M. Samarakoon fixed the petition for support on the 28th of January.
In his application, UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe is seeking an Interim order suspending the operation of the findings and recommendations on pages 17-51 relating to the applicant.
Wickremesinghe cited the commissioners of Presidential Commission retired Supreme Court Judge Upali Abeyratne, retired Court of Appeal Judge Chandrasiri Jayatilake and former IGP Chandra Fernando, Commission Secretary Pearl Weerasinghe and Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera as respondents.
Wickremesinghe stated that on or about the 4th of September 2020, he attended the Presidential Commission, and was told that he was not being treated as a respondent but as a witness.
The petitioner said he was led to believe that, no findings and recommendations would be made against him.
However, the petitioner said the Presidential Commission report contains findings and recommendations or materials about the petitioner.
Former Prime Minister states that there has been a complete violation of the rules of natural justice, and no proper hearing, was given to him during Presidential Commission inquiry.
He further alleged that no rules of natural justice were adhered to during the inquiry. He alleged that findings and material collected against him are unreasonable, irrational and arbitrary.
