Overseas travel ban on ex-Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa lifted
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa
A Sri Lankan court on Wednesday lifted the overseas travel ban on former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in connection to the 9 May 2022 clashes that resulted in his resignation whilesending his brother Gotabaya fleeing the country.
Last year, Sri Lanka was gripped in massive protests, called Aragalaya, when people gathered at Colombo's Galle Face Green and demanded that Gotabaya step down as the country's president.
In addition to former Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Fort Magistrate's Court on Wednesday also lifted ban on Member of ParliamentRohitha Abeygunawardena, Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, and Ex-Provincial Council member Kanchana Jayaratne.
Also Read | Russia arrests three hypersonic missile scientists on charges of 'very serious treason'
Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage, and several MPs from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party were also present in court when the ruling was given.
Mahinda Rajapaksa's Counsel Shavendra Fernando urged the court to lift the travel ban imposed on the former prime minister, MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, and Ex-Provincial Council member Kanchana Jayaratne. In this argument, the counsel said that these people were not named as suspects pertaining the 9 May 2022 clashes case.The impounded passports of the four politicians were ordered to be released, as per reports.
)
Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out
)
3.5-million-year-old mystery creature found in Japan is a 'giant' never seen before
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the S-400 uses solid rocket fuel instead of liquid fuel
)
US-Iran war: Iran says It's in 'full scale war' with US after new strikes
)
Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi
)
Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo
)
Lip reader reveals what Donald Trump told every Spain and Argentina player after FIFA World Cup final during medal ceremony
)
US-Iran conflicts: Houthis announce maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, Iran attacks MQ-9 drone hangar | Gravitas
)
‘Iran can survive sanctions, but can’t truly live’: Dy FM warns of economic cost of war
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
'There is no need for...': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, sends big message amid Parliament March
)
FACT CHECK: Was Abhijit Dipke detained during CJP's Parliament march? Here's what police say
)
‘Netanyahu will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form in US’: Trump’s counter to Mamdani
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
Jail over Khamenei post: J&K youth returns home after 3 months in Saudi custody
)
'Now come to us': CJP resumes protest after Parliament march violence, calls meeting with Nadda 'waste of time'
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
)
Maha CM Wife Amruta Fadnavis' Yoga Day appearance sparks social media debate over attire | Watch
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
)
US-Iran war: Report suggests US lost 42 aircraft, including fighter jets, reaper drones
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Spain World Cup victory parade in Madrid: Champions celebrate second FIFA World Cup title with over million fans
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The best XI that ruled football’s biggest stage
)
Truck loaded with stones, metro stations closed: What's happening at Jantar Mantar now
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
)
Tulsi Gabbard's brother Batarti accused of luring children to hotel room in Hawaii
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
Also Read | Small banner plane crashes near shopping plaza in Hollywood, pilot dead
Upon hearing the argument, the magistrate issued an order lifting the travel prohibition. The court also directed the stated order to the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.
The travel restriction on two other suspects were, however, prolonged till the next court hearing and they were ordered to be freed on an extra Rs. 1 million in personal bail.
Watch | US President Joe Biden to visit Japan's Hiroshima for G7 summit
The severe economic crisis that gripped Sri Lanka last year resulted in massive anti-government protests in Sri Lanka where homes and offices of MPs were torched and a significant amount of public property was also damaged.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.