The Court of Appeal has suspended proceedings against Defense Secretary Ravi Seneviratne, after claims that the Mount Lavinia Magistrate mishandled the drunk driving case, raising questions of judicial fairness.
The Court of Appeal issued an interim injunction on September 4 temporarily suspending the trial of retired Senior DIG and current Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Ravi Seneviratne. The order halts the case being heard at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, where he faced charges linked to a road accident in October 2023, including allegations of drunk driving.
The petition, filed by Seneviratne, sought to transfer the case to another court, citing concerns over impartiality. The case was taken up before Justices Mayadunne Koraya and Mahen Gopallawa, who agreed to consider the petition.
Attorney Suren Fernando, appearing for the petitioner under instructions from Attorney Chandana Perera, told the court that although the police had earlier informed the Magistrate’s Court that the Attorney General advised against pursuing the drunk driving charge, the Additional Magistrate decided to continue the case, claiming no such instruction was received.
The defense argued that the magistrate’s conduct undermined the possibility of a fair trial. They further requested an interim injunction suspending proceedings at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court until the petition hearing concludes.
The appellate bench accepted this request and ordered that notices be served on the respondents, including the OIC of the Wellawatte Police. Any objections are to be submitted by September 23. The petition hearing has been scheduled for November 25.
The suspension of this high-profile case has sparked debate on judicial integrity and due process in Sri Lanka, with the defense team maintaining that only a transfer to another court will ensure fairness.
