The Attorney General today (5) informed the Court of Appeal that steps will be taken to deploy necessary personnel for the security of former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Senior Superintendent of Police Shani Abeysekara.
Additional Solicitor General Rohantha Abeysuriya representing the Attorney General made the revelation in Court when a petition filed by SSP Abeysekara requesting an order be issued to ensure his security was taken up for consideration this afternoon.
The Additional Solicitor General said two armed Policemen will be provided for the protection of SSP Abeysekara and one officer for security at his residence.
The Additional Solicitor General also stated that if the petitioner wishes to change his place of residence, suitable arrangements will be made for his security.
President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya representing SSP Shani Abeysekara informed Court that they accept the arrangements.
However, Jayasuriya stated that if the pledges made are not fulfilled, steps will be taken against the respondents on charges of contempt of court.
The petition in this regard will once again be taken up on the 15th of December.
The National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses, Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshbandu Tennakoon and the Inspector General of Police have been cited as respondents in the petition.
The petitioner claims that he requested the Victim and Witness Protection Authority to provide adequate protection as he is under threat.
SSP Abeysekara claims that although the Authority has taken steps to inform the IGP and the Secretary of Defence of the decision, he has not received formal protection thus far.
