Court of Appeal postpones hearing on Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s petition

June 18, 2026 at 5:05 PM

The Court of Appeal today ordered that further consideration of the petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, be postponed until June 24.

The petition was taken up before a bench comprising Justices Rohantha Abeysuriya and Sarath Disanayake.

Appearing for the petitioner, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva presented submissions on behalf of Rajapaksa. Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath represented the respondents.

The respondents named in the petition are the Inspector General of Police, Criminal Investigation Department Director Shani Abeysekara, Acting Director Madhava Gunawardena, and the Attorney General.

The case will return to court on June 24 for further consideration. (Newswire)