Lawyer Upul Jayasuriya complains to IGP on threats to his life

Hard on the heels of reports on gunshots being heard near the residence of BASL 

President Wijedasa Rajapakshe, senior attorney and former BASL secretary yesterday complained to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) alleging threats to his life and property.

Mr. Jayasuriya in his complaint said the threats emerged after he had taken an initiative against the impeachment that is being brought proposing the removal of Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake.

“I have proposed and handed over a resolution summoning a general meeting of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. Accordingly a general meeting was summoned and several resolutions were passed against the impeachment motion,” Mr. Jayasuriya said.

Quoting a news website, he said it was reported that such attacks were to be carried out against Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, BASL President Wijedasa Rajapakshe, Gunaratne Wanninayake and himself.

“According to the news reports, two attacks have been carried out so far at the residence of Wijedasa Rajapakshe and on. Gunarathna Wanninayake, I have been reliably made to understand that there is a threat on my life and property as well” he added.

Mr. Jayasuriya who is also the president of the National Lawyers Association said he had informed about the alleged threat to the Attorney General Palitha Fernando.

Seeking police protection, he urged the IGP to apprehend the offender and act according to the law.

Gunshots had been heard near the Nawala residence of BASL President and UNP parliamentarian Wijedasa Rajapakshe early on Thursday. The parliamentarian had lodged a complaint with the Mirihana police and a statement had been recorded. (Susitha R. Fernando)