The Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar again today issued a warrant for the arrest of Pearl K. Weerasinghe, the Secretary of the Presidential Commission appointed to investigate alleged incidents of political victimization.
This was the second time warrants were issued for the arrest of Pearl Weerasinghe.
The three-member judge bench ordered police to arrest the Secretary of the commission before March 12 and produced her before the court. The bench also ordered that the IGP should personally appear before the court if the Secretary cannot be arrested before March 12.
The arrest warrant was re-issued today when the when the case filed against ‘Ali Roshan’ and seven others over the alleged illegal possession of five elephants was taken up for hearing.
Chair of the bench Justice Vikum Kaluarachchi the President had appointed a commission to investigate political revenge with good intentions but the arbitrary behavior of the members of the commission would seriously damage the reputation of the President.
The Judge said the inability of the IGP to arrest a government official is a serious problem. He questioned as to how the IGP can curb serious crimes and terrorism, when he cannot take a public official into custody.
The court had initially issued the warrant on March 06 for police to arrest and produce Ms. Weerasinghe before the court, for failing to appear in court. The court also imposed a travel ban on her.
The court issued the order when the case against Niraj Roshan alias Ali Roshan and 8 other suspects who were charged with elephant trafficking, was taken up for hearing.
According to a complaint of political victimization lodged by the suspects in the elephant trafficking case with the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, court’s information books with regard to the case have been handed over to the Commission. Weerasinghe was issued notice to appear in court to produce the information books. However, she has failed to appear in court and failed to even give prior notice.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
