The Lawyers for Truth and Justice (LTJ), a group of legal professionals, yesterday (12) stated that they are currently discussing the institution of legal measures concerning the proposed extension of service for the incumbent Attorney General (AG), President's Counsel (PC) Sanjay Rajaratnam.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had recently recommended to the Constitutional Council (CC) to grant a six-months service extension to Rajaratnam PC, who is due to retire late this month.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (12), LTJ Convenor, attorney Manoj Nanayakkara recalled a legal precedent concerning attempts to extend the service of a former AG. He said that legal action was successfully taken against the said preparation, ultimately preventing the particular AG from receiving the service continuation. 

“As there is a precedent, there is a possibility to challenge the current preparation before the Supreme Court (SC). However, the CC is yet to make a decision regarding the President's recommendation. Our group consists of several PCs who have vast knowledge in the field. So, we are currently studying the legal measures that can be instituted.”

Recent media reports indicated that a service extension has been recommended by President Wickremesinghe for Rajaratnam PC due to the latter's involvement in the investigations and legal affairs related to the Easter Sunday terror attacks of 2019. Wickremesinghe is reported to have informed a group of Parliamentarians who inquired about the matter that the current AG is playing a significant role with regard to the matter. However, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka, the Parliamentary Opposition, civil organisations and several other parties have expressed criticism regarding any possible service extension for Rajaratnam PC. In the midst of such, the CC Chaired by Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana twice discussed the President's recommendation, but is yet to reach a final decision.