Gnanakone released

by Wasantha Ramanayake

The Court of Appeal yesterday ordered the release of Charles Gnanakone arrested in connection with the assassination of former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.

Deputy Solicitor General Jayantha Jayasuriya informed Court that in view of the representations made by the counsel for first respondent Gnanakone to the Attorney General (AG), the AG did not object to release him.

Consequently the petitioner moved to withdraw the application and the court accordingly dismissed the application.

The court earlier issued notice on the respondents.

The Bench comprised Justice S.I. Imam and Justice Ranjit Silva.

Petitioner Daniel de Smet, an acquaintance of Gnanakone, filed the application. He stated that the his colleague was illegally arrested by six men in the wee hours on October 10, while he temporally residing at his residence at Dehiwala.

The petitioner cited Gnanakone, detained at the Colombo Crime Division, its Director SSP Sarath Lugoda and the IGP as respondents.

The petitioner stated that first respondent Gnanakone who was an Australian citizen and a businessman, had actively been involved in the management of "Humanitarian Rehabilitation Services."

The petitioner stated that to the best of his knowledge Gnanakone had not committed any criminal offence to be arrested and detained. He also stated that his colleague was a chronic diabetic and a heart patient.

The petitioner sought an order directing the second and the third respondents to produce Gnanakone before court to be legally dealt with and order his release.

President's Counsel Faiz Musthapha PC appeared for the petitioner.

Deputy Solicitor General Jayantha Jayasuriya appeared for the Attorney General.