Brigadier Priyanka Fernando's immunity challenged

A UK Court had reportedly concluded Brigadier Priyanka Fernando, who was attached to the Sri Lanka High Commission in London, was not covered by diplomatic immunity whilst making a threatening gesture at protesters in London last year.

A Judge at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court had been told that Brigadier Priyanka Fernando’s threats were not part of his job description as Sri Lanka’s then defence attache, and therefore not covered by diplomatic immunity.

"During the court case yesterday, the job description of a Sri Lankan defence attache was read out in court. The job entails monitoring any anti-Sri Lanka activities in the UK and reporting to the ministry of defence, intelligence agencies, amongst others, as well as monitoring any LTTE activities in the UK and devising appropriate plan with the coordination of intelligence agencies in Sri Lanka to counter it.

"Brigadier Fernando, who was the Defense Advisor at Sri Lanka High Commission in London at the time of the incident was convicted by the court in January after three complainants brought a private prosecution.

"However the government reacting to the court's decision claimed that the officer has diplomatic immunity and requested the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office to confirm Brigadier Fernando’s posting.

Britain's Foreign Office then provided the court with a certificate showing Brigadier Fernando did have diplomatic immunity during the time the incident. The case has been adjourned until the 15th of March.

Source : News Radio