August 02, Colombo (LNW): The Supreme Court today (02) has scheduled a hearing on August 09 to consider a petition filed by Shani Abeysekera, the former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), seeking enhanced protection due to threats to his life.
Notices have been issued to the respondents of the petition, including former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon and Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, requiring their appearance on the specified date.
The petition was reviewed by a Supreme Court panel comprising Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Murdu Fernando, and Yasantha Kodagoda.
During the proceedings, Upul Jayasuriya PC, representing Abeysekera, informed the court of a reported conspiracy to assassinate his client via a staged car accident, emphasising the imminent risk to Abeysekera’s life.
Counsel Jayasuriya argued that the current security measures for Abeysekera are inadequate and requested the court to mandate sufficient protection.
After considering the presented facts, the three-judge panel ordered that the respondents present their case on 9 August 2024.
Respondents include Deshabandu Tennakoon, the National Police Commission, and the Defence Secretary.
