CID Hasn’t Decided to Arrest Udaya Gammanpila

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (12) informed the Court of Appeal that no decision has been made at this time to arrest former Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

This was revealed during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Gammanpila, in which he requested a court order preventing his arrest. He claimed that the CID was preparing to take action against him under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.

The petition was heard before a bench comprising Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando.

Gammanpila stated that during a media briefing held on August 5, he had expressed critical views regarding the arrest of a former Navy Commander based on a statement made by a leader of the LTTE. He emphasized that his comments did not incite hatred or unrest against any ethnic or religious group.

President’s Counsel Manohara de Silva, appearing on behalf of Gammanpila, informed the court that his client, who is currently overseas, is scheduled to return to Sri Lanka soon. He raised concerns that Gammanpila may be arrested at the airport upon arrival.

Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana de Silva, representing the CID, informed the court that no decision has been taken to arrest Gammanpila at this stage. He added that investigations are still ongoing, and any final decision would be made upon their conclusion.

Accordingly, the court decided to postpone further consideration of the petition until September 17.