The Second Court Martial postponed without a date for resumption

The second court martial assembled this morning to consider the charges against the former army commander has been postponed sine die with no appointed day for resumption.

A Sri Lanka Army statement revealed that the tribunal, considering submissions maintained that although the provisions in the Army Act empower same members of one Court Martial to sit for another tribunal for the same accused, provided alleged prosecuting charges are of different nature, it prefers to be reconvened for the sake of maintaining high degree of transparency and unprejudiced nature. The sittings were therefore adjourned until further notice.

When the Court Martial assembled today morning, Judge Advocate General Rear Admiral W.W.J.S Fernando announced that the courts awaits a ruling from Sri Lanka President on the objection raised yesterday by the lawyers of Sarath Fonseka , during its deliberation.

When the Court Martial assembled yesterday, the Counsel for Sarath Fonseka raised objections to the way the first Court martial was constituted.

Yesterday’s Courts Martial was presided by Major General H.L Weerathunga and served by Major General A.L.R Wijethunga, Major General D.R.A.B Jayathilake. Even today’s Court Martial was constituted with the same bench to decide on the four charges lined up for hearing against Sarath Fonseka.

As yesterday’s objection was not disposed of by the Court Martial, it is learnt that the judge Advocate General announced of the postponement around 11 AM, no sooner the Court Martial assembled for hearing this morning.

- Asian Tribune -