The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (29) ruled that the order previously issued to release former Navy Commander and Chief of Defence Staff Ravindra Wijegunaratne was flawed, in connection with the case involving the abduction and disappearance of 11 youths.
Accordingly, the court directed the Criminal Investigation Department to re-indict Wijegunaratne as a suspect and file charges against him.
The ruling was delivered in open court by Isuru Neththikumara.
Earlier, based on instructions issued by the Attorney General, a former magistrate had ordered the release of Wijegunaratne following preliminary inquiries into the case.
However, after considering extensive submissions made by the aggrieved party challenging that decision, Magistrate Neththikumara held that the previous order was legally defective.
In delivering the ruling, the Magistrate further directed the CID to include Wijegunaratne as a suspect in the case once again and proceed with filing charges.
The Magistrate also emphasised at length the responsibility of the Attorney General to intervene in ensuring justice is served.
Wijegunaratne faces allegations of providing protection within naval premises to Lieutenant Commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi, a suspect evading court in connection with the abduction case, and of facilitating his escape from the country to evade legal action.
