CA directs police on backup vehicle for JJ

Wasantha Ramanayake

COLOMBO: The Court of Appeal yesterday directed the Inspector General of Police to explore the possibility of providing a Police Backup vehicle for UNP Parliamentarian Jayalath Jayawardane.

The Court made the direction in the Writ application filed by the MP seeking additional security when Senior State Counsel Harsha Fernando on behalf of the respondents Police officers informed that the Police Department had found it difficult to do so in view of the dearth of such vehicles.

Petitioner Jayawardane sought a Police backup jeep, two police drivers, a sub-inspector and a police constable as additional security stating that his life was in danger during his frequent visits to the East from the LTTE dissident Group "Karuna Faction".

The Bench comprised Justice K. Sripavan and Justice Erick Basnayake.

In this application the Petitioner cited the IGP and SSP Solanga Arachchi of the Police Head Quarters as respondents.

He stated that he was often travelling to the East to look into the grievances of the Internally Displaced Persons and he needed additional security as there was ongoing rivalry between LTTE and its dissident group in the Eastern Province.

President's Counsel Faiz Musthapha appeared for the petitioner.

Senior State Counsel Harsha Fernando appeared for the respondents.