Kehelbaddara Padme to Remain in CID Custody Until December

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Court of Appeal today (23) extended a previously issued assurance that Kehlebaddara Padme, a suspect currently held by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for alleged involvement in large-scale drug trafficking, will not be moved outside CID custody until December 2.

The extension was granted during a hearing of a writ petition filed by Padme’s mother, who requested a court order to guarantee her son’s safety and prevent him from being taken to any external location while under interrogation.

The petition was heard before Justices Rohantha Abeysuriya and Priyantha Fernando, with Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera appearing for the respondents. The DSG agreed to extend the assurance previously given to the court.

Representing the petitioner, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne argued that Padme, who is currently being questioned by the CID, must remain within the department’s premises to ensure his safety. 

He requested that the court extend the assurance until the next hearing date.

The court accepted the request and ordered that the existing assurance be extended until December 2, when the petition will be taken up again for further consideration.

The petitioner's mother stated that her son is currently in CID custody and being interrogated, and she fears for his safety if he is moved to any location outside the department. Her legal team requested a formal order to prevent such transfers.