In December 2007 CPA filed a fundamental rights application on the numerous reports with regard to the mass arrest and detention of Tamil persons during search operations carried out in Colombo and the suburbs. CPA further stated that many of the persons who were arrested and detained were not informed of the reasons for their detention and subsequent arrest and that the families of the detainees were not provided with information or receipt of the arrest as per the Presidential Directives on Arrest and Detention. CPA, in its petition sought that immediate steps may be taken to halt the conduct of large scale, ad hoc and arbitrary arrests of persons of Tamil ethnicity in and around the city of Colombo, and to formulate a proper and transparent mechanism and procedures consonant with the Constitutional safeguards, to duly and properly investigate terrorist activities with complete and unretarded safeguards that would effectively secure the fundamental rights of Tamil civilians.

Arbitrary Arrests & Detentions of Tamil Civilians
Arbitrary Arrests & Detentions of Tamil Civilians

In October 2007 CPA filed a case challenging the Bill titled “Appropriation” which was tabled in Parliament in order to provide for the service of the financial year 2008; to authorize the raising of loans in or outside Sri Lanka, the purpose of such service; to make financial provision in respect of certain activities of the Government during the financial year; to enable the payment, by way of advances out of the Consolidated Fund or any other fund or moneys of or at the disposal of the Government, of moneys required during that financial year for expenditure on such activities; to provide for the refund of such moneys to the Consolidated Fund and to make provision for the matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. CPA challenged this Bill on the basis that it is in contravention with the Constitution of Sri Lanka. The decision of the Supreme Court was subsequently conveyed to the Speaker whereby it was determined that the Bill is not inconsistent with the Constitution.

Challenge to the Appropriations Bill
Challenge to the Appropriations Bill