Opposition petition on visits to welfare centres:

AG granted time to consult Defence Secretary

Wasantha Ramanayake

The Supreme Court yesterday allowed an application for time by the Attorney General to obtain instructions from the Defence Secretary in the rights application filed by five Opposition MPs in connection with visiting welfare centres in the North.

Deputy Solicitor General Indika Demuni de Silva moving for time submitted that the influx of a large number of people had created an unprecedented situation which demanded a careful scrutinizing of separating innocent people from terrorists.

Allowing the application court noted that the since the issue involves a question of national security the court had to be mindful about its implications. Counsel J.C. Weliamuna for the petitioners submitted that if the petitioners were allowed to travel with what ever condition attached they would consider withdrawing the application.

The Petitioners, MPs, Jayalath Jayawardane, Lakshman Senevirathne, Mangala Samaraweera, M.T. Ali Hassaen and Mano Ganeshan complained to court that they were repeatedly refused to visit the civilians in welfare centers in the North in violation of their rights. Counsel J.C. Weliamuna appeared for the petitioners.