The Court of Appeal has issued an interim order preventing the arrest of former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and the directors of Ceylon Newspapers Private Limited by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The case revolves around allegations of breaching an agreement to supply paper for printing newspapers, including Mawbima. The interim order is effective until January 21, pending further court proceedings.
The petition was heard before a bench comprising the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne, and Justice Shashi Mahendran. The court considered a writ petition filed by Ceylon Newspapers Private Limited, which sought to prevent any potential arrests. The petition, filed on the advice of Attorney-at-Law Sanath Wijewardene, named six respondents, including the Inspector General of Police, the Director of the CID, and Kesara Lanka Private Limited.
The petition detailed that Ceylon Newspapers had entered into an agreement with Kesara Lanka Private Limited to procure paper for its printing operations. The petitioner alleged that Kesara Lanka violated the terms of this agreement after Tiran Alles lost his position as Minister of Public Security. Following the alleged breach, Kesara Lanka lodged a complaint with the police, sparking fears of arrest among the directors of Ceylon Newspapers.
The petitioners argued that the complaint was politically motivated and that arresting the company’s directors would be unjustified. They sought an interim order to prevent any legal action until the matter could be fully examined. The Court of Appeal agreed and issued the interim order, offering temporary relief to Tiran Alles and the company’s directors.
The case has drawn attention due to its implications for press freedom and political influence over legal matters. The interim order temporarily shields those involved from arrest while allowing time for a detailed examination of the allegations and evidence presented. Further developments are expected once the interim order expires later this month, as the court continues to deliberate on the merits of the case.
