AKD, Shani A. file Writ Petitions against COI on political victimisation

• The two were summoned by CoI over complaints by Avant Garde Nissanka Senadhipathi
• Petitioners state CoI cannot inquire into complaint by businessman; it has powers only to look into complaints by public officials 

 

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) former Director Shani Abeysekera yesterday filed Writ petitions in the Court of Appeal seeking an order preventing the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) appointed to look into political victimisation from summoning them before it.

Dissanayaka and Abeysekera were summoned to appear before the CoI in connection with the inquiry into the complaint lodged by Avant Garde Maritime Services Ltd. Chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi.

Dissanayaka in his petition argues that the CoI appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa only deals with political victimisation against public officials and Senadhipathi, who is a businessman, cannot seek relief there. Dissanayaka stated that there is an ongoing trial against Senadhipathi in the High Court on arms trafficking charges, and by allowing the CoI to hold a parallel inquiry, the Judiciary is being undermined. He is seeking an interim order suspending the ongoing inquiry into the complaint made by Senadhipathi before the CoI.

The CoI was appointed by the President on 9 January to inquire into and obtain information in relation to alleged political victimisation of public officers, employees of State corporations, members of the armed forces, and the Police service who held posts during the period commencing 8 January 2015 and ending 16 November2019.

The Commission’s three members Supreme Court retired judge Upaly Abeyrathne, Court of Appeal retired judge Daya Chandrasiri Jayathilaka and retired Inspector-General Police Chandra Fernando have been named as Respondents in the petitions.