R. Gnanalatha Ramanayake and A.R.D. Nipuna Dhanushka Ramanayake vs Hon. Attorney General – CA 118/2013-2013

In the case between R. Gnanalatha Ramanayake (nee Ranasinghe) and A.R.D. Nipuna Dhanushka Ramanayake (petitioners) and the Hon. Attorney General (and others) (respondents), the court addressed the issue of a writ application concerning the progress of criminal proceedings against the 2nd Respondent, a suspect in Magistrate’s Court, Kaduwela case No. B32127. It was held that, upon the assurance by the Senior State Counsel to file an indictment against the 2nd Respondent, the writ application was withdrawn at the request of the petitioners, and the application was dismissed without costs. The principle reaffirmed is that where appropriate undertakings are made by the State regarding ongoing criminal proceedings, courts may permit withdrawal of writ proceedings when circumstances change. The