The Supreme Court has scheduled March 19 for the support hearing of a Fundamental Rights petition filed by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, contesting the government’s decision to reduce his security detail.
A three-judge bench, comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Janak de Silva, and Sampath Abayakoon, fixed the date following a request by Additional Solicitor General Varunika Hettige, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General. She sought additional time to obtain instructions from the respondents and file objections.
The petition names Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Cabinet of Ministers, and several others as respondents. Rajapaksa argues that the government arbitrarily reduced his security detail to 60 officers without conducting a proper security assessment. He maintains that, as the leader who ended the three-decade-long war against the LTTE, he continues to face terrorist threats.
Through the petition, Rajapaksa seeks a declaration that his Fundamental Rights were violated by the government’s decision. President’s Counsel Ali Sabry represented the former President in the case.
