Shani files writ petition against Presidential Commission

21 January 2022 01:05 pm Views - 1610

Former CID Director Shani Abeysekara has filed a writ petition against the Presidential Commission on Political Victimisation for allegedly violating an undertaking given to the Court of Appeal.

Shani Abaysekara is seeking a writ of certiorari quashing the decision taken by the Presidential Commission to submit a report to the President dated 24.11.2020 which contains recommendations against the petitioner.

The petitioner has cited Chairman of Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to look into alleged political victimization of public servants Upali Abeyratne, its members Daya Chandrasiri Jayathilaka and Chandra Fernando, its Secretary Pearl Weerasinghe, Chairman of Avangrade Maritime Services (PVT)
Ltd and several others as respondents.

Abeysekara alleged that the members of Presidential Commission have violated the undertaking given to Court of Appeal on July 27, 2020.

The Presidential Commission on Political Victimisation had gave an undertaking before Court of Appeal, not to summon former CID Director Shani Abeysekara before the Commission regarding a complaint made by Avant Garde Chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi.

Shani Abaysekara further states that the President’s Counsel who appeared for the respondents gave an undertaking stating that the Petitioner will be dispensed with his presence before the Commission until Court of Appeal decides on the question of notices and interim relief and his absence will not be held against him. 

This petition had been filed through Attorney-at-law Manjula Balasooriya. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)