The Attorney General has requested the Chief Justice for the constitution of a Trial-at-Bar at the Homagama High Court to hear the case pertaining to the abduction and murder of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda.

The AG’s letter informs that in terms of Section 450(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979, as amended by Act No. 21 of 1988, information is exhibited to the High Court of Homagama in respect of the commission of offences, including those punishable under Section 102, 113(A), 356, 140, 146, 32, 355 and 296 of the Penal Code in respect of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, abduction and murder of Prageeth Ranjan Bandara Ekneligoda and aiding and abetting the same.

The letter further states that having regard to the nature of the offences; the circumstances relating to the commission the offences; and, complex nature of the available evidence, such information is exhibited before the High Court of Homagama with the view of imploring the Chief Justice that a Trial-at-Bar would meet the interest of justice.

Furthermore, in terms of Section 450(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Code Act read with Section 12(2) of the Judicature Act, as amended, the Attorney General requests that the Chief Justice appoint three judges of the High Court to constitute a High Court-at-Bar for the trial of the accused on charges contained in the said information.