The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court today (09) that security for Shani Abeysekera, the former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, will continue without interruption until the 29th of this month.
This assurance was given during the hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed by Abeysekera, requesting an order to enhance his security. The case was heard by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Vijith Malalgoda, and Murdu Fernando.
President's Counsel Upul Jayasuriya, representing Abeysekera, argued that a report from the Victims and Witnesses Protection Authority indicated a potential plan to kill his client in a car accident, highlighting that the current security arrangements are inadequate.
In response, the government attorney stated that two police officers have been assigned to secure Abeysekera's residence, with four additional officers deployed for his travel, all of whom are armed.
However, Jayasuriya maintained that these measures are insufficient given the severity of the threats against Abeysekera. He also pointed out that while a police motorcycle was provided for his client's travel, it would not be enough to prevent an orchestrated accident.
The court has scheduled further consideration of the petition for the 29th and ordered the Attorney General to submit the confidential report from the Victims and Witnesses Protection Authority regarding the threats to Abeysekera.
