Counsels appearing for the petitioners told the Court of Appeal yesterday that they intend to withdraw the writ petitions seeking an interim Stay Order preventing respondents in the petitions from acting on the police order directing protesters to vacate Galle Face protest site.
They pointed out that these petitions would be withdrawn as the protesters themselves had taken steps to vacate the site by removing the temporary tents erected at the Galle face Green protest site.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sumathi Dharmawardane appearing on behalf of the Attorney General informed Court that he would not oppose the request made by the petitioners.
Considering the circumstances, the Court of Appeal allowed the petitioners to withdraw the petitions.
The petitions were taken up before the Court of Appeal bench comprising Justices Sobitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola.
At a previous occasion, the Attorney General made an undertaking before the Court of Appeal that without following proper legal procedures, no action would be taken against the unauthorized temporary structures of the protesters at the Galle Face Green protest site until August 10 and he also informed Court that the necessary direction regarding the matter will be given immediately to the Inspector General of Police (IGP). Four writ applications have been filed in the Court of Appeal seeking an interim stay order preventing the respondents in the petitions from acting on the police order directing protestors to vacate Galle Face protest site. The Colombo Fort Police last Wednesday informed those occupying tents and temporary shelters at the Galle Face protest site to vacate the premises by 5.00 p.m. on August 4. The notice further stressed that legal action would be sought against those who fail to comply with the instructions. In an announcement, the Galle Face occupants were urged to behave in a manner that is in compliance with the country’s law and not to oppress the public. The petitions have cited Fort Police OIC Chief Inspector Sagara Liyanage, IGP C.D Wickremaratne, Urban Development Authority and the Attorney General as the respondents.The petitions were filed by Ven. Miragahawatte Kashyapa Thera, Irosh Aponsu, Lahiru Anton Fernando and Asanka Abeyrathne.
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