The Court of Appeal today (February 15) once again ordered the respondents related to the petition filed by the relatives of missing activists Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganathan to present themselves in Court.

Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, the Inspector General of Police, the Army Commander and the Jaffna District Army Commander were called as respondents to the case

The IGP N.K. Illangakoon was present at the hearing today but did not take the stand while the Attorney General told the judge that the court summons had not yet been delivered to the respondents.
 
The petition will be taken up again on February 29.

The Court of Appeal earlier granted approval to hold hearings on the petition filed by the relatives of missing activists, Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganathan, requesting that they be produced before the court. 

The two individuals had disappeared on December 09, 2011 in Jaffna, the attorney representing the petitioners said when the petition was taken up today before a Judge Bench comprising Justice Ranjith de Silva and Justice Nalin Perera.

He claimed that the Minister Mass Media and Information, Keheliya Rambukwella, speaking to media had stated that the two activists are in custody, and that their location cannot be disclosed.

The motorcycle which Lalith and Kugan were last seen traveling on was also found at the Kachchaveli police station, the attorney informed court and therefore accused the government of being responsible for the disappearance.

The Appeal Court then issued notice to the Army Commander, Jaffna Security Forces Commander, Inspector General of Police and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to appear before court on February 15 in order to give testimonies.