2016 UN office protest case
Current status of the 2016 UN office protest case
Criminal case arising from the 2016 protest against then UN Human Rights chief Prince Zeid, including alleged obstruction of roads.
What’s happened
On 21 September 2026, the Colombo Chief Magistrate issued a warrant for Weerawansa's arrest and production after he was absent when the case was called. He arrived shortly afterward; his counsel attributed the delay to a vehicle breakdown and asked that the warrant be recalled. The court directed counsel to file a formal recall motion on 22 September 2026, meaning the warrant technically remained in force as of the reviewed reporting. Weerawansa was not reported arrested or remanded. Prosecution witnesses were also absent, so further evidence was fixed for 19 October 2026 and notices were issued to the witnesses.
- Court
- Colombo Magistrate/appropriate trial court
- Next hearing / due
- 19 October 2026
2016 UN office protest case timeline
- 21 September 2026
Hearing
Weerawansa was absent when the case was called and the Chief Magistrate issued a warrant for his arrest and production; he arrived shortly afterward, and the court directed his counsel to file a formal motion to recall the warrant on 22 September 2026. He was not arrested or remanded. Prosecution witnesses were also absent, so further evidence was fixed for 19 October 2026.
Court: Colombo Magistrate/appropriate trial court
Sources (3)