By The Pulseline News Desk
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sought permission from the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court to travel overseas for further medical treatment following heart surgery performed in Singapore.
Rajapaksa has filed a motion requesting the court to temporarily lift the overseas travel ban imposed on him, enabling him to travel abroad for the treatment required after the surgery.
The travel ban was imposed approximately four months ago in connection with the investigation into the failure to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attacks.
The latest application seeks judicial approval for overseas travel despite the existing restriction.
The court is expected to consider the request considering the circumstances presented in the motion.
Investigation into Easter Sunday attacks
The investigation concerns the coordinated suicide bombings carried out on April 21, 2019, targeting churches and hotels across Sri Lanka. The attacks killed more than 250 people and injured hundreds of others.
Investigations into the attacks have intensified this year, with the CID examining allegations concerning the handling of intelligence information before the bombings and the possible roles of state intelligence and security personnel.
Former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, has been detained in connection with the investigation. Investigators have presented allegations before court concerning the possible withholding of intelligence relating to the attacks. These remain matters under investigation and are not, by themselves, findings of guilt.
Rajapaksa, who served as Defence Secretary during the final stages of the civil war before becoming President in November 2019, has also pursued legal action seeking protection against possible arrest in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks investigation.
On October 1, the Court of Appeal dismissed his writ petition seeking to prevent his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act without taking it up for hearing. He subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court against that decision.
His latest motion before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court is specifically aimed at securing temporary relief from the overseas travel restriction to obtain further medical treatment in Singapore.
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