Powerful Petition Filed: President Accused of Rights Violations

News Today: Lawyer Files Court Case Against President for Violating Fundamental Rights

A Fundamental Rights petition has been filed against Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe by R.S.P. Ranasuriya, a lawyer, for allegedly violating citizens’ rights and failing to appoint an Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP). The petition, naming President Wickremesinghe and the Attorney General as respondents, was filed with the intention of holding the President accountable for his actions.

Ranasuriya is seeking interim relief that would prevent President Wickremesinghe from contesting in the upcoming Presidential election scheduled for September 21. Additionally, the petitioner is calling for an interdiction that would require the President to appoint a Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) as Acting IGP, in line with an interim order issued by the Supreme Court.

The petition argues that the President has publicly declared that he lacks the authority to appoint an Acting IGP because of his candidacy in the forthcoming election. However, the petitioner points out that the President contradicted this claim by appointing Ali Sabry as the Minister of Justice on August 12, demonstrating his continued exercise of executive power.

Ranasuriya asserts that the President has breached Article 41(c)(a) Part 2(c) of the Constitution by not appointing an Acting IGP, thereby jeopardizing national security. The petition, filed through Attorney-at-Law Jayamuditha Jayasooriya, highlights the gravity of these constitutional violations and seeks urgent judicial intervention.