The Supreme Court today granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights Violation application submitted by Chirantha Amarasinghe.

Amarasinghe was arrested by the CID in November 2020 for posting comments on Facebook criticizing the enforced cremation of COVID19 deceased persons and calling on the public to turn off their televisions during the President’s national address and to post #GotaFailFlat and #GotaGohome.

The petitioner argued that the charges against him were in violation of his Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The Bench, comprising Hon. Padman Surasena J., Hon. Yasantha Kodagoda PC J., and Hon. Kumudinee Wickramasinghe J., granted permission to proceed under several articles of the Constitution, including freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; the right to equal treatment before the law; freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention; freedom of speech and expression; freedom of assembly; freedom of association; and freedom of religion.

Mr. Thishya Weragoda and Mr. Dilan Nalaka, instructed by Thamila Perera Attorneys at Law, represented the petitioner, while Deputy Solicitor General Ms. Lakmali Karunanayake appeared on behalf of the Attorney General and the CID.

The case is scheduled for argument on October 26th, 2023.