Eight lawyers representing victims of the Mahara prison riot have requested an inquiry against Attorney General’s Coordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne.
The lawyers have requested an inquiry over a statement Jayaratne had made against them in courts.
They charged that during proceedings on the case at the Welisara Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, Jayaratne is reported to have stated the cases cannot be conducted based on hidden instructions from Non- Governmental Organizations.
Stating that this comment is an insult to the relatives of the prison riot victims, the lawyers further said it was a violation of their fundamental rights.
The lawyers called on the Chief Justice and Attorney General to launch an inquiry in this regard to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Meanwhile, State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne yesterday (17) appeared before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks over a statement issued.
Jayaratne was questioned on contradictory statements issued by the AG’s Department, with attention on the decision to take disciplinary action against two members of the Department.
The Commission issued a warning to State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne after she refused to answer certain questions during cross examination.
However, following a request by Jayaratne to consult her lawyers before responding, the Commission reissued summons on her to appear on Monday (21). (NewsWire)
