Cardinal files motion in SC over respondents’ failure to pay compensation

Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcom Cardinal Ranjith submitted a motion to the Supreme Court alleging that former President Maithripala Sirisena and the other respondents have so far failed to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s verdict regarding the Easter Sunday attacks.

This motion was presented via his lawyer Shamil J. Perera, PC, in relation to the petition presented by the Sri Lanka Bar Association regarding the Easter Sunday attacks.The motion states the following facts:

“Twelve fundamental rights petitions were filed in relation to the Easter Sunday attacks before the Supreme Court by various parties. Rev. Cardinal, who was named as the 57th respondent in the petition filed by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka presented facts to the Court by the lawyers orally and in writing.

“After hearing the said fundamental rights petition, the judgement was given by the Supreme Court on January 12, 2023. By that, several people who were named as respondents in the respective petitions were ordered to pay compensation from their personal money.

“Accordingly, former President Maithripala Sirisena must pay Rs. 100 million, former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara and former head of State Intelligence Nilantha Jayawardena must pay Rs. 75 million each, former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando must pay Rs. 50 million, and former head of National Intelligence Sisira Mendis must pay Rs.10 million as compensation. “This order was given to be implemented within six months and the Attorney General was ordered to facilitate it. Also, this Supreme Court ordered that disciplinary action should be taken against the Chief of State Intelligence Nilantha Jayawardena for his dereliction of duty and failure. However, no action is known to have been taken against him so far. Even though more than six months have passed since the judgement was announced, the respondents have not paid the damages in full.”

The Cardinal has requested the Court to give the opportunity to present the facts in this regard.

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