News and events

Landmark judgment proves disappeared victims surrendered to the SL army

2022-12-16

High Court of Vavuniya delivered order today issuing a writ of habeas corpus directing the Commander, Sri Lankan Army and the Commanding officer of the Mullaitheevu Army camp to produce the corpus Selliah Visvanathan in court. The order stated that the court is satisfied on evidence submitted by the Petitioner that the corpus surrendered to Sri Lankan Army on 18 th May 2009 and that the Respondents failed to discharge the burden of disproving the Petitioner's claim. It was admitted by the witness called by the Respondents that the names of surendees were registered but failed to produce such register to court.

In conclusion the court accepted the allegation of the Petitioner that the corpus was in the control and custody of the Respondents Sri Lanka Army. Court ordered the Respondents to produce the corpus on 22nd March 2023 in court or to give reasons for failing to do so. This is a landmark judgement proving that the surrendees surrendered to Sri Lanka army. Senior Counsel K.S.Ratnavale with Ms. Ranitha Gnanarajah appeared for the Petitioner.