The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the Judicature Amendment of 2018 provided for day-to-day trials to prevent dilatory tactics by accused in such cases. Facilities must be provided to counsel, judges and witnesses accordingly. The Permanent High Courts-at-Bar were established for this purpose, including a dedicated building opposite the Sri Lanka Law College. Under the 2018 law with the Chief Justice’s approval, references for trial-at-bar are made based on the gravity of the offence, not political vendetta.

¶ 02 After the Permanent High Courts were set up, there was a case against former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa regarding the construction of his parents’ memorial using public funds. Midway through the trial, the accused went abroad on medical grounds, later returned, became President, and the case was withdrawn under presidential immunity. He no longer has immunity. Why has that part-heard case not been recommenced for over a year? Will the Government take steps to have it re-filed and proceeded with? Have you discussed this with the Attorney-General, and what actions are being taken?