NMSJ questions due process, raises concerns about Wickremesinghe arrest

National Movement for Social Justice reiterates call to abolish Executive Presidency for a just society Arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe seen as pre-planned political move Use of Penal Code instead of Anti-Corruption Act raises concerns of prosecutorial abuse Timing of arrest before long weekend questioned as attempt to block legal redress

- 

THE National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) yesterday reiterated its call for abolishing the Executive Presidency, while raising serious concerns over the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In a statement, the Movement questioned whether due process was properly observed by the institutions and individuals involved. It said that the earlier announcement by a YouTuber, who predicted Wickremesinghe’s remand, reinforced the impression that the arrest was a pre-planned political move.

The NMSJ noted that instead of invoking the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023, which was designed for such cases, the prosecution relied on Sections 386 and 388 of the Penal Code and the Offences Against Public Property Act, No. 12 of 1982 as amended. This, it said, appeared intended to create conditions under which bail could not be granted, raising concerns of prosecutorial abuse.

The statement also questioned the timing of the arrest, which was carried out on the eve of a long weekend, preventing Wickremesinghe from seeking legal redress for two days. If deliberate, the Movement said, this was a highly regrettable practice.