Arrest warrant issued for Wimal Weerawansa over non-appearance, recall motion pending
Regarding Wimal Weerawansa
What happened?
Weerawansa was absent when the 2016 UN office protest case was called, and the Colombo Chief Magistrate issued a warrant for his arrest and production. 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.
What changed?
This is a new procedural episode in an existing, ongoing trial - a brief non-appearance and warrant, not an arrest, remand, or change to the underlying charges. The warrant's current status (recalled or still outstanding) has not been confirmed in subsequent reporting.
What happens next?
19 October 2026: Further evidence and the recall motion are due to be addressed at the next hearing, 19 October 2026.
The case
People involved
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