Gotabaya Rajapaksa Files Petition to Prevent Arrest

18-Jun-2026

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Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has filed a writ petition in the Court of Appeal seeking an order preventing his arrest under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.

The petition names the Inspector General of Police, senior CID officials and the Attorney General as respondents.

Rajapaksa argues that attempts are being made to arrest him based on statements given by five witnesses. While acknowledging that he knew one witness, Hanzir Azad Maulana, he stated that he had never met him in person and did not know the other witnesses.

He further claimed that he had no opportunity to influence witnesses and alleged that CID Director Shani Abeysekara may be biased against him due to past administrative decisions.

Rajapaksa told the court that he is willing to provide a statement regarding the attacks and requested the removal of the travel ban imposed on him. He also stated that he has no intention of leaving the country to evade legal proceedings.