The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to appear before the court on November 4 to present its position regarding a request to temporarily lift the overseas travel ban imposed on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena issued the directive after reviewing a motion submitted by Rajapaksa’s legal team. The former President was present in open court as his lawyers sought permission for him to travel to Singapore to undergo further medical treatment following a previous heart surgery performed at a hospital in that country.
Proceedings moved forward without the CID, which serves as the complainant in the case, as representatives were not present during the hearing. In response, Magistrate Amarasena scheduled the upcoming date to ensure the investigative body formally submits its observations on the temporary lifting of the restriction.
Key Developments
- The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court summoned the CID to appear on November 4 to deliver submissions on the travel ban request.
- Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s defense filed a motion requesting travel clearance to Singapore for medical follow-up after past heart surgery.
- Rajapaksa appeared in open court for the proceedings, while CID officials were absent.
- The overseas travel ban was previously imposed on Rajapaksa and several former intelligence officers in connection with ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks.
The court will determine whether to grant temporary relief for overseas travel once the CID makes its formal submissions on November 4.