CA Suspends DUI Trial Against Public Security Secretary

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Court of Appeal today issued an interim injunction, temporarily suspending the ongoing trial against Retired Senior Deputy Inspector General Ravi Seneviratne, who currently serves as the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security.

The order was issued following a petition filed by Seneviratne, requesting that the case—currently being heard before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court—be transferred to another court. 

The petition was reviewed by the Court of Appeal bench comprising Justices Mayadunne Corea and Mahen Gopallawa.

The case pertains to an incident in 2023, where Seneviratne was accused of driving under the influence and failing to prevent a road accident. 

He was previously remanded and later released on bail. This was confirmed in court by Attorney-at-Law Suren Fernando, appearing on behalf of Seneviratne instructed by Attorney-at-Law Chandana Perera.

Although police informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court that the Attorney General had advised against pursuing the case, it was revealed that no such directive had been formally submitted to the court. As a result, Attorney-at-Law Fernando said that the Additional Magistrate of Mount Lavinia decided to proceed with the trial.

Attorney-at-Law Fernando argued that the magistrate’s actions were procedurally flawed and that his client could not expect a fair trial under the current circumstances. 

He requested that the case be transferred and that proceedings at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court be temporarily suspended until the petition is fully examined.

After reviewing the submissions, the Court of Appeal issued notice to the respondents, including the Officer-in-Charge of the Wellawatte Police Station, and postponed the hearing of the petition to November 25. 

Any objections must be submitted by November 23.