CJ BLASTS SUJEEVA, OTHER

Jayantha de Silva

Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, PC admonished two Attorneys-at-Law who staged a walk out before the issuance of an order at yesterday’s resumed hearing of the petition filed by residents of Slave Island in the Supreme Court against their relocation attributed to a development project. The Chief Justice ordered the two counsel, UNP parliamentarian Sujeewa Senasinghe and Farman Cassim appearing for the petitioners to be called back and he told them to “sit down”. He then proceeded to warn them by observing “Do not repeat these types of acts. This is the last time the Bench is going to tolerate such conduct. On this occasion the Bench is not going to issue a ruling on the incident.’

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, PC, Justice P. A. Ratnayake and Justice Priyasath Dep. The court observed that out of five hundred and seventeen residents 317 had opted for a rental until their houses are built. Apart from that, 164 residents requested compensation based on valuations based on the Chief Valuer. The Bench directed the the agreements in respect of those who preferred to live on a rent to be readied. Attorney at Law Sujeewa Senasinghe told the Court that acting upon an earlier court directive an arbitration centre was opened in the Slave Island area.

Fizer Musthafa PC appearing for the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa submitted that the project would enhance the lives of the

Slave Island residents. Sanjeewa Jayawardana PC instructed by Sudath Perera Associates appeared for the UDA and it’s Chairman. Deputy Director Prasanna Ranaweera represented the UDA. The Bench fixed April 4 for arguments.