October 19, Colombo (LNW): H.D. Navinthaka de Silva, CEO of Avenra Hotel Group, has filed a petition with the Court of Appeal, challenging a recent directive from the Ministry of Defense that mandates individuals holding licensed firearms for personal protection to surrender them. The petition, filed through attorney Sanath Wijayawardena, names the Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, the Director of the State Intelligence Service, and the Acting Inspector General of Police as respondents.
De Silva, who obtained the licensed firearms around 2012 or 2013 due to personal threats, argues that the decision significantly endangers his safety. He further noted that his business, including his hotels, suffered substantial damage during recent political unrest, heightening his security concerns.
The petitioner claims that the announcement made by the Secretary of Defense on October 7, calling for the return of personal protection firearms, places him at greater risk as a businessman. Despite appealing against the directive, de Silva has yet to receive a satisfactory response.
The petition requests the Court of Appeal to issue a writ order invalidating the Ministry’s directive. Additionally, de Silva seeks an interim injunction to suspend the order’s implementation until the case is fully heard and a final decision is reached.
