The Attorney General has notified the Colombo High Court that an appeal will be filed against the recent judgment which held that charges cannot be maintained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) against underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne alias ‘Harak Kata’ and four others accused of conspiring to escape while in CID custody.

The case was taken up today before High Court Judge Buddhika C. Ragala, where state counsel appearing for the Attorney General made the announcement.

The suspects’ bail application was also considered, with the judge ordering that a ruling on bail will be delivered on August 20.

Meanwhile, since the PTA charges have been withdrawn, the court directed that Harak Kata, currently held at Tangalle Old Prison under remand custody, be transferred to a suitable prison facility. (Newswire)

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Former Eastern Province Governor Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as ‘Pillayan’, was remanded by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court pending the Attorney General’s recommendations over investigations into the 2006 disappearance of an Eastern Province Vice Chancellor.

According to court proceedings, Pillayan was produced after nearly a year in detention under detention orders, during which he had not been brought before the court.

He also appeared with a noticeably new look following the lengthy period in custody, drawing attention during his appearance.

The court ordered that he be remanded pending the Attorney General’s recommendations as investigations continue into the disappearance, which dates back to 2006.

Authorities are continuing inquiries into the case, with further legal steps expected following the Attorney General’s observations. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General’s Department Legal Officers’ Association has raised concerns over what it described as unfounded and baseless personal attacks targeting Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe and officers of the department in the performance of their official duties.

In a resolution unanimously adopted at a Special General Meeting on January 29, 2026, the Association observed the attacks appeared to be part of a coordinated effort to pressure the AG and his staff, potentially undermining the department’s independence.

The resolution warned that the systematic abuse of social media was being used to create a false sense of public dissatisfaction, and that unchecked intimidation could cause lasting harm to the rule of law, justice system, and public trust in democratic governance.

The Association expressed gratitude to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, legal professionals, and members of the public who voiced support for AG Ranasinghe, noting his integrity and the department’s commitment to its workload despite resource shortages.

Calling on all parties to counter misinformation, the Association said repeated attacks were demoralizing to legal officers and could impair their ability to serve the State effectively.

It reaffirmed its full confidence in the Attorney General, underscoring that the AG is accountable to the law and that appropriate legal channels exist for addressing grievances. The department, it said, would continue to act strictly in accordance with the law and admissible evidence, resisting pressure from public rhetoric or media-driven narratives.

The Association urged the public to avoid spreading unverified allegations on social media, cautioning that such actions undermine both the Office of the Attorney General and the broader administration of justice. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara says the removal of the Attorney General has not been discussed at the Cabinet.

The Minister made this remark to the media today (22 Jan) following a discussion held at the Vavuniya District Secretariat.

“Regardless of what kind of reports are published on social media, there has been no discussion within the Cabinet regarding the removal of the Attorney General. Some opinions on social media say the Attorney General should be protected, while others claim he should be removed. Certain reports even suggest that not only the Attorney General but also the Justice Minister should be sent home,” he said.

Minister Nanayakkara further said that if there are complaints against the Justice Minister or anyone else, the law of this country applies equally to all, and that complaints can be made.

“The government has no connection to what is published on social media. There has been no Cabinet discussion regarding the removal of the Attorney General or any impeachment against him,” the Justice Minister added. (Newswire)

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Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe met members of the Free Lawyers organization who visited the Attorney General’s Department today to discuss the pressure being exerted on him to resign.

The Free Lawyers organization handed over a letter to the Attorney General voicing their support for him. 

Speaking to the members of the Free Lawyers organization, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe said those who know the law know that he is not above the law. 

“If I make a mistake, then the Court of Appeal is there. The Supreme Court is there. Please go there and challenge me. If the court tells me to do something, I will be more than happy to do it,” he said. 

Meanwhile, in the letter handed over to the Attorney General, the Free Lawyers organization stated, “Our organization has observed that, through social media, false, defamatory, and hostile content targeting you and the Attorney General’s Department is being continuously published in an organized manner. Spreading such false and deliberately distorted information among the public is their habit, aimed at creating hatred and damaging social respect.”

The organization further said that a group of overseas journalists as well as local YouTubers and social media activists are actively contributing to this process.

“It appears that certain individuals are attempting to destroy the Attorney General’s Department and use it for political or personal objectives. These campaigns, carried out without understanding the difference between the role of an investigator and that of a prosecutor, pose a serious threat not only to your dignity but also to the impartiality of the Department,” the organization pointed out.

The letter noted that on several previous occasions, these groups have also attempted to exert similar pressure on judges and members of the judicial service.

“We firmly believe that the Attorney General’s Department has always acted independently and honorably, without yielding to any influence, and that it must follow evidence and legal procedures rather than popular sentiment.

“Our organization expresses its full cooperation and support for you to carry out your duties freely and without interference, and we wish you strength, courage, and blessings to continue acting impartially in the process of delivering justice,” it added. (Newswire)

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A silent protest was held in Colombo today demanding the removal of the Attorney General.

According to reports, the silent protest was held in front of the Colombo High Court. 

The protesters were seen holding placards, accusing the Attorney General of alleged corruption and bias. 

Meanwhile, the BAR Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed concern over recent social media posts targeting the Attorney General.

Issuing a statement, the BASL said that certain individuals are attempting, through such posts, to unfairly interfere with the independence of the Attorney General’s office.

The statement further pointed out that in relation to criminal cases, the Attorney General performs a quasi‑judicial function.

It added that based on the material presented by investigating officers, the Attorney General must decide whether or not to file charges against a suspect, or whether to proceed with indictments.

The BASL emphasized that the Attorney General must also consider whether the relevant evidence is legally admissible and whether, on that basis, there is a fair likelihood of securing a conviction.

The statement further noted that decisions of the Attorney General can be reviewed before the Court of Appeal by way of writ applications, or before the Supreme Court through fundamental rights petitions. (Newswire)

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President’s Counsel Sumathi Dharmawardena, a senior lawyer who has served in the Attorney General’s Department for over 32 years, has been promoted to the post of Senior Additional Solicitor General by the Public Service Commission.

At the time, President’s Counsel Rohanta Abeysuriya held the position of Senior Additional Solicitor General, but on June 19, 2025, he was appointed as President of the Court of Appeal.

Following that promotion and the vacancy created, Sumathi Dharmawardena has now been appointed to the post.

His extensive experience gained over more than three decades in various positions within the Attorney General’s Department formed the basis for this appointment. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that several former Members of Parliament are among the 31 identified suspects in connection with the May 2022 attack on the Galle Face protest site known as “GotaGoGama.”

Senior State Counsel Sajith Bandara, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, told the court yesterday that indictments are expected to be filed against the suspects under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

He further revealed that steps are being taken to file charges against then Senior Deputy Inspector General Deshabandu Tennakoon, who was the highest-ranking officer present on the site at the time.

The update was shared during the hearing of five fundamental rights petitions filed by a group of protesters, who alleged that the failure of law enforcement to prevent the attack on May 9, 2022, constituted a violation of their basic human rights.

The petitions were heard before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justices Shiran Gunaratne, and Achala Wengappuli on Tuesday.

During the proceedings, Counsel Bandara noted that the Court of Appeal had previously issued an interim injunction related to the investigation, but that order has since been lifted, allowing further inquiries to proceed.

The petitioners’ counsel argued that police inaction at the time of the incident contributed to the escalation of violence. In response, Counsel Bandara stated that a significant number of police officers and water cannon vehicles were present at the scene, but were not effectively deployed.

Counsel Sanjeewa Weerawickrama, appearing for former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, objected to the petitions being heard while criminal proceedings were being prepared against his client, stating that it would be unjust. He proposed that the petitions be considered only after the criminal proceedings are clarified.

The parties also agreed not to proceed with the petitions against former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Namal Rajapaksa, as criminal charges are not being filed against them.

Following submissions, the Supreme Court postponed its decision on the petitions. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General’s Department states indictments will be filed with regard to over 20 controversial incidents linked to the tenures of former governments. 

According to the AG’s Department, a special team is currently working on the matter. 

The AG’s Department has revealed that former ministers and state officials are among those against whom indictments are to be filed.

The indictments are to be filed, reportedly over the misuse of state assets. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General is scheduled to file indictments against 12 former armed forces officers in the Colombo High Court next week on charges of abducting and torturing Sri Lankan journalist Keith Noyahr, it was reported.

The former armed forces officers are to face 30 charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to kidnap, assault and wounding.

The indictments come 17 years after the incident reported near Keith Noyar’s residence in Dehiwala in May 2008.

Sri Lankan journalist Keith Noyahr was abducted on Vaidya Road in Dehiwala on 22 May 2008, after which he was allegedly assaulted and later released several hours later.

Noyahr, who was the Associate Editor of The Nation newspaper at the time, was known for his critical reporting on military and political affairs. His abduction sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice.(Newswire)

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A four-member committee has been appointed by the Attorney General to examine the findings of the Batalanda Commission Report.

Senior Additional Solicitor General Rohantha Abeysuriya heads the committee, while it includes Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, Senior State Counsel Jayani Wegodapola, and State Counsel Shakthi Jagodaarachchi.

Apart from examining the findings of the Batalanda Commission Report, the committee is also tasked with determining whether the evidence presented in the report is sufficient to initiate criminal prosecutions.

The committee has been appointed under the directive of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, after the Batalanda Commission Report was referred to the Attorney General for further study on 29 April. 

The ‘Batalanda Commission Report’ was tabled in Parliament on 14 March by the Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake.

The Batalanda Commission Report was brought to the spotlight once again, following former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s controversial interview with international media, Al Jazeera, this year.

At the time, responding to allegations of his involvement, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe rejected the findings of the Batalanda Commission report, claiming it was politically motivated.

What is the Batalanda Commission Report?

It concerns the alleged human rights violations, murders and disappearances that occurred during the 1988/90 period.

Upon assuming office as President, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga established the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on September 21, 1995, to investigate these incidents.

Known as the Batalanda Commission, it was tasked with examining the illegal detention, torture, assassination and disappearances of individuals at the Batalanda Housing Scheme.

After nearly three years of gathering evidence, the commission submitted its report to President Kumaratunga in 1998, but the recommendations of the Batalanda Commission Report were never implemented. (Newswire)

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The Batalanda Commission Report has been officially handed over to the Attorney General, the President’s Office announced. 

The ‘Batalanda Commission Report’ was tabled in Parliament on 14 March by the Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake.

At the time, Minister Rathnayake informed Parliament that the report would be forwarded to the Attorney General for advice on necessary action.

He further said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake would appoint a special committee to study and make recommendations on the report.

The Batalanda Commission Report was brought to the spotlight once again, following former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s controversial interview with international media, Al Jazeera, this year.

At the time, responding to allegations of his involvement, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe rejected the findings of the Batalanda Commission report, claiming it was politically motivated.

Making a special statement, Wickremesinghe said that the commission was established with the sole purpose of discrediting him, but failed to achieve its objective.

He further said the report only mentioned his involvement in facilitating housing for police officers during the 1988-1990 insurgency, but did not implicate him in any other allegations. 

What is the Batalanda Commission Report?

It concerns the alleged human rights violations, murders and disappearances that occurred during the 1988/90 period.

Upon assuming office as President, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga established the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on September 21, 1995, to investigate these incidents.

Known as the Batalanda Commission, it was tasked with examining the illegal detention, torture, assassination and disappearances of individuals at the Batalanda Housing Scheme.

After nearly three years of gathering evidence, the commission submitted its report to President Kumaratunga in 1998, but the recommendations of the Batalanda Commission Report were never implemented. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General has requested a trial-at-bar with a three-judge bench to hear the case against former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella in connection with the importation of substandard Immune Globulin vaccines.

The Attorney General had made the request from the Chief Justice via a written letter. 

Keheliya Rambukwella was in remand for 07 months over the matter, after which he was granted bail in September 2024. 

He, along with several Health Ministry officials, was arrested and remanded after the CID launched an investigation into allegations that a pharmaceutical company had imported 22,500 vials of substandard Immune Globulin vaccines by creating forged documents with the assistance of two senior state officials. 

Investigations revealed that financial fraud of Rs. 130 million had occurred via the imports of the said substandard medicine, under the tenure of Keheliya Rambukwella as Health Minister.

Keheliya Rambukwella had recently (09 April) reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to record a statement regarding the importation of substandard medicines. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General has informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court to suspend the previous order given concerning the release of the three suspects involved in the murder of the late Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge.

It is reported that the Attorney General has informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court in writing that his previous order to discharge the suspects has been temporarily suspended.

On January 27, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe informed the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that legal proceedings would not continue against three key suspects in the case.

According to the letter, former Army Intelligence Officer Prem Ananda Udalagama, former Mt. Lavinia Crimes OIC SI Tissasiri Sugathapala, and former DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara could be released.

Responding to criticisms of the Attorney General’s recommendation, the government said it would look into the matter and study the recommendation.

Soon after, PM Harini Amarasuriya also assured Parliament that the government is committed to securing justice for the family of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge.

Her comments came after a letter from Ahimsa Wickrematunge, daughter of the late editor Lasantha Wickrematunga, urging the Prime Minister to impeach Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe. (Newswire)

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Sri Lankan-born attorney Vincent Perera was sworn in as the new Attorney General of Seychelles at the State House on Wednesday, it was reported.

According to Seychelles News Agency, Perera said, “Together with my team, I will pledge that I will be contributing to the best of my abilities to see that the rule of law in this beautiful country is upheld.”

He revealed that “there are changes in the system we operate that I intend to bring through my experience of working in other jurisdictions, so I have to beef up the prosecutors with the necessary skills.”

This will include the necessary training to ensure that they are one step ahead of criminals and that “together we shall ensure that guilt shall not escape, nor innocent suffer,” he said.

The Attorney General’s Office has the mandate of providing the government with legal advice and is the country’s criminal prosecution service. It is also responsible for ensuring legal footing when the government signs international treaties, conventions and agreements as well as other complex contracts the government enters.

Sri Lanka-born Perera is qualified as an attorney-at-law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, barrister and solicitor of Fiji and an accredited mediator at the Singapore Mediation Centre.

He also holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Colombo and before he was appointed Attorney General, Perera was working at the Seychelles’ Attorney General’s Office as a legal consultant heading civil litigation.

Perera said that he will be studying the issue of case backlogs in the system.

“When I come to know the statistics, I will devise a system, because I have the experience in clearing backlogs,” he added.

Perera will be holding office for the coming four years, replacing Frank Ally, who has held the post since October 2017. (Newswire/ Seychelles News Agency)

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The Attorney General has prepared a series of guidelines to eliminate incidents of ragging in state universities of Sri Lanka.

This was conveyed to a three-member Supreme Court bench consisting of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Shiran Gunaratne and Priyantha Fernando. 

The court was informed of the guidelines when the fundamental rights petition filed by a student affected by a ragging incident at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 2020 was taken up in court. 

Responding, the Chief Justice instructed that the guidelines be forwarded to all universities, that any proposed amendments should be incorporated into the final draft, and that steps be taken to prepare and file the final draft before the court.

The FR petition requested an order to prepare guidelines for eradicating ragging in state universities.

The petitioner further claimed he sustained severe physical injuries and brain trauma after a large backhoe tyre was rolled down during a ragging incident at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, resulting in him being hospitalized for nearly three months. (Newswire)

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Senior Additional Solicitor General Parinda Ranasinghe was appointed as the Attorney General of Sri Lanka today.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), he received the appointment from President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat.

Parinda Ranasinghe was appointed as the Attorney General in terms of Article 61E (b) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka. 

His appointment comes after the National Constitutional Council gave its approval on Thursday (July 11).

Earlier in July, Parinda Ranasinghe took oaths as the Acting Attorney General of Sri Lanka before the Chief Justice. 

He was appointed to fill the post of Attorney General vacated following the retirement of former Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam.

Parinda Ranasinghe is the son of K.A. Parinda Ranasinghe a former Sri Lankan judge, who was also the 38th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The National Constitutional Council has approved the appointment of Senior Additional Solicitor General Parinda Ranasinghe as the Attorney General of Sri Lanka. 

According to media reports, the appointment was unanimously approved by the Constitutional Council.

On July 01, Parinda Ranasinghe took oaths as the Acting Attorney General of Sri Lanka before the Chief Justice. 

He was appointed to fill the post of Attorney General vacated following the retirement of former Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had twice recommended the extension of former Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam’s tenure which was rejected by the National Constitutional Council. 

Following this, Sanjay Rajaratnam retired from the post of Attorney General paving the way for Parinda Ranasinghe to be appointed as the Acting Attorney General. 

Parinda Ranasinghe is the son of K.A. Parinda Ranasinghe a former Sri Lankan judge, who was also the 38th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The Acting Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka that as per the current Constitution, the President’s tenure is interpreted as five years. 

The Acting Attorney General notified the court in this regard when the petition filed seeking clarification on the President’s legal term was taken up for consideration in court today. 

The petition is being heard before a 5-judge bench of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka consisting of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Murdu Fernando, Preethi Padman Surasena, and S. Thurairaja.

The petition, filed by businessman Chamindra Dayan Lenawa, seeks a clear interpretation of the President’s term in office, as the 19th Amendment defines the tenure as 05 years in one context and 06 years in another.

In his petition, the businessman emphasizes the need for the Court to clarify the exact duration of the President’s term and has called for an interim order to delay the upcoming presidential election until this interpretation is provided.

The outcome of this petition could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape and the upcoming presidential election which is currently expected to be held in October this year. (Newswire)

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Senior Additional Solicitor General Parinda Ranasinghe took oaths as the Acting Attorney General of Sri Lanka before the Chief Justice today. 

He was appointed as the Acting Attorney General to fill the post of Attorney General vacated following the retirement of former Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had twice recommended the extension of former Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam’s tenure which was rejected by the National Constitutional Council. 

Following this, Sanjay Rajaratnam retired from the post of Attorney General paving the way for Senior Additional Solicitor General Parinda Ranasinghe to be appointed as the Acting Attorney General. 

Parinda Ranasinghe is the son of K.A. Parinda Ranasinghe a former Sri Lankan judge, who was also the 38th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.

According to reports, Parinda Ranasinghe has been appointed Acting Attorney General, alongside his current responsibilities. (Newswire)

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