Wharf executive protests over ‘unlawful detention’

By Teles Anandappa

A wharf executive has filed a petition with the Supreme Court saying he has been unlawfully detained by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID). The petitioner, Rajendran Yogaraj of Wattala, has cited as respondents Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, TID director Nandana Munasinghe and the Attorney General.

The petitioner said he was employed as a wharf executive by Harrisons Shipping, and that in June last year he was requested by client Manobalan Godwin to help his brother Joseph, an importer of mobile phones, to clear a consignment of goods. In this matter, the petitioner sought the help of his friend, Lalith Hewawitharana, whom he introduced to the importer.

The petitioner said that in September 2007 he and his friend were arrested by the TID on the grounds that the shipment contained walkie-talkies and mobile phones and the suspicion that those linked to the shipment were involved in terrorist activity.

The petitioner, who is still being detained by the TID, said his arrest and detention was unlawful and violated his fundamental rights, as guaranteed under Article 13(2) of the Constitution.

State Counsel P. Munasinghe told court that the Attorney General’s Department was studying information book extracts relating to the case, and asked court for a period of one month in which to prepare a report. Attorney J. C. Weliamuna appeared for the petitioner.

The Bench comprised Justices J. A. N. Silva, Shiranee Thilakawardena and Andrew Somawansa.