SC decides to proceed into right violations of businessmen

Wasantha Ramanayake

COLOMBO: The Supreme Court recently decided to fully inquire into an alleged right violations by the Police and Army of three businessmen whose business premises in Aluthgama town was set fire by mob allegedly in the presence of the Police while the Police curfew was in force.

The Bench comprised Justices Nihal Jayasinghe, N. K. Udalagama and Nimal Dissanayake. The petitioners M. A. M. Jifry, M. J. Nathiq and M. J. M. Sahal of Dharga Town cited Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Inspector of Police Kalutara, Army Commander, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, OIC Aluthgama Police, SI Udaya Kumara and the Attorney General as respondents.

The petitioners stated that they ran their business in the Aluthgama Town. On January 26 around 11 in the morning they had to close their business premises due to some sporadic incidents of violence that involved Muslim and Sinhala Communities in the Dharga Town and went home. While the Police Curfew was in force they had received a telephone call informing them that the mob had broken into their shop and looted it.

They stated that they managed to come to the Aluthgama Police Station in a Police mobile. They had complained to the second respond total loss and damage of Rs. 25 million.

They sought a declaration that their rights had been violated by the inaction of the respondents and suitable compensation.

Sanjeewa Jayawardane appeared for petitioners.

The inquiry was fixed for July 20.