Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Supreme Court issues arrest warrant for ex-Minister in 2015 Ratnapura killing case
Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has issued an open warrant for the arrest of former State Minister Premalal Jayasekara after he failed to appear before the bench hearing the 2015 Ratnapura homicide case.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
A three-judge Supreme Court bench, presided over by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and including Justices Achala Wengappuli and Gihan Kulatunga, issued the warrant on Thursday following Jayasekara's absence from proceedings. The former State Minister did not appear in court to answer charges related to the case, prompting the judicial panel to take the enforcement action.
Two other defendants who presented themselves before the court were remanded in custody pending further hearings. The bench is expected to continue examining evidence and hearing arguments as the case progresses through the trial phase.
The 2015 Ratnapura killing case has remained under judicial scrutiny for several years. The Supreme Court's decision to issue an open warrant underscores the seriousness of the charges and the court's determination to ensure all parties comply with judicial proceedings.
The case continues to draw attention in Sri Lanka's legal community, particularly given the involvement of a former government minister. The court has indicated that proceedings will continue despite the complications arising from Jayasekara's non-appearance.