Offences Against Public Property launched

Sarath MALALASEKERA

COLOMBO: The book titled “Offences Against Public Property” by Senior Attorney-at-Law D. A. P. Weeratna, BA (Ceylon), can be described as a long overdue contribution to the literature on Criminal Jurisprudence in this country, said Additional Solicitor General, President’s Counsel Palitha Fernando, at the book launching ceremony held in Colombo recently.

“It is regrettable to note that senior practitioners and academics in Sri Lanka do not pay much attention to the necessary of contributing towards the development of legal literature. In writing this book, in my opinion, Weeratna has taken a step in the right direction at an appropriate time,” Fernando said.

Fernando emphasised that though the book is titled “Offences Against Public Property” and the emphasis is mostly on the provisions of the Offences Against Public Property Act No. 12 of 1982 as amended.

“Weeratna has embarked on a commendable survey and analysis of the law pertaining to offences Against Property.

Whilst critically analysing the provisions of the offences against public Property Act, he has also dealt in detail with various procedural aspects arising out of the provisions of the Act, and in particular the application of the provisions of the bail Act No. 30 of 1997 to suspects and persons accused of offences under the Offences Against Public Property Act.

Special mention should be made to the attempt Weeratna has made to elaborate upon the definitions of the various terms used in the Act.

In doing so, he has very prudently referred to similar legal provisions in other legislation and case law. The material that has been considered in analysing the definitions of the various terms has been collected with a lot of effort. His attempt is highly commendable.

I take pleasure in recommending this book to both law students and Attorneys.

I have no doubt that his book would also provide interesting reading material even to the public,” he said.