Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Fort Magistrate’s Court has issued arrest warrants for three individuals, including prominent figures Dan Priyasad and Mahinda Kahandagama, in relation to the violent attack on the ‘Gota Go Gama’ protest site during the anti-government struggle earlier this year.
The court action was taken after the three suspects failed to appear for today’s hearing. Their legal representatives informed the court that the individuals are currently residing abroad, prompting the magistrate, Tanuja Lakmali, to issue the warrants for their arrest and ensure their return to Sri Lanka to face charges.
The attack on the ‘Gota Go Gama’ protest site, a key focal point of the opposition against former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, occurred amidst widespread protests calling for his resignation. The protest camp became a symbol of the public’s frustration over economic and political instability.
The case will be heard again on March 26, 2025, with the court setting this date for further proceedings. The legal action comes as part of ongoing investigations into the violence that erupted at the site and the individuals believed to be responsible for inciting and carrying out the attack.
Priyasad and Kahandagama, known for their roles in political and social circles, have yet to make public statements regarding the charges against them. Their absences have raised questions about the political dimensions surrounding the case, as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the aftermath of its political crisis.
