June 30, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has fixed a date to examine a petition submitted by former minister Duminda Dissanayake, who remains in remand custody over the discovery of a gold-plated assault rifle allegedly linked to him.
The matter will be heard on July 14, 2025, following initial legal arguments presented in court.
The case came before High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne on June 30, where legal representation for the petitioner was led by President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis. In court, counsel provided a series of detailed submissions, requesting judicial consideration of Dissanayake’s continued detention in light of evolving case circumstances.
After reviewing the representations made, Judge Thilakaratne ruled that the petition merits formal inquiry. In particular, the court observed that the investigation files concerning the incident have already been handed over to the Attorney General’s Department and are currently being scrutinised for further legal action.
The court also drew attention to a significant development involving another individual implicated in the same case. According to submissions, the third suspect has already been granted bail by the Magistrate’s Court, prompting the High Court to seek clarity from the State on the comparative circumstances of Dissanayake’s continued remand.
The Judge directed the State Counsel to present additional information, including the contents of the former minister’s police statement, at the upcoming hearing. The outcome of that inquiry could have a bearing on the possibility of interim relief or bail.
The incident in question gained considerable public attention due to the conspicuous nature of the firearm involved—reportedly a T-56 assault rifle embellished with gold plating. The weapon was recovered during a recent search operation, though the specific circumstances surrounding its possession and potential misuse remain under active investigation.
