No bail for Shani

By Tony Karunanayake

Gampaha Number 01 High Court Judge, Nimal Ranaweera yesterday rejected the bail applications filed on behalf of former Director of the CID, Shani Abeysekera and Sub-Inspector, Sugath Mohana Mendis.

The police have filed a case at the Gampaha Magistrates’ Court alleging that Abeysekera and three others furnished false information to the court regarding the firearm used in the Mohammed Shiyam murder in 2013.

Three suspects, Abeysekera, Mendis and H. D. Nawarathne Premathilake are currently on remand in prison. The fourth suspect, former CID IP, Nishantha Silva had left Sri Lanka.

Wasantha Navarathne Bandara, PC, and Attorney-at-Law, Chaminda Atukorale have filed have filed bail applications on behalf of Abeysekera and Mendis respectively. Deputy Solicitor General, Shanil Kularathne has filed objections to both applications.

Bandara said that Abeysekera was suffering from several chronic illnesses. Attorney General’s Department, on December 07, presented a medical report on Abeysekera. The report said that Abeysekera had contracted COVID-19 and that he had heart issues.

After considering the facts presented by both parties High Court Judge, Nimal Ranaweera decided to reject the bail applications.