Anoma Fonseka’s FR hearing postponed

Hiran H. Senewiratne

The Supreme Court yesterday postponed hearing of the fundamental rights case filed by Anoma Fonseka on behalf of her husband General Sarath Fonseka to September 27. The reason for the postponement was that the Attorney General had not received any counter affidavit pertaining to the case.

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Asoka de Silva, Justice Gamini Amaratunga and Justice K. Sripavan. The Attorney General sought Court permission to respond to any new material to be forwarded within two weeks from yesterday.

The Court also directed respondents to permit the first petitioner Anoma Fonseka to accompany an Attorney-at-Law and a Justice of the Peace enabling General Fonseka to sign legal documents.

Deputy Solicitor General S. Rajaratnam appeared for the Attorney General. He also informed Court that the third petitioner Sarath Fonseka has been provided with medical facilities with Navy and Army medical officers assigned to his care. President’s Counsel Shibly Aziz appearing for the petitioners citing certain judgments submitted that the Supreme Court had widened its fundamental rights jurisdiction beyond what is stated in the Constitution.

Deputy Solicitor General S. Rajaratnam with Senior State Counsels appeared for the Attorney General.

S. L. Gunasekera instructed by Sudath Perera Associates appeared for Major General Sumith Manawadu who is in charge of Colombo Security.

Sanjeewa Jayawardane instructed by Sudath Perera Associates appeared for Military Police Chief.