The BAR Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly objected to a verbal request made by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) for an attorney-at-law to surrender his mobile phone, following a violent incident involving a former aide to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
In a letter addressed to Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, the BASL stated that Attorney-at-Law Dinesh Dodangoda had informed them of the request made by CCD officers after he and his client, Thusitha Hallouwa, a former Director to President Wickremesinghe, were attacked in Colombo.
The incident occurred on May 18 at Dabare Mawatha, Colombo 05, when two unidentified individuals allegedly opened fire at their vehicle, physically assaulted the pair, and fled with a file belonging to Hallouwa. Following the attack, police officers from the CCD had verbally requested Dodangoda to surrender his mobile phone for investigation.
The BASL has taken the position that such a request is unlawful, as the mobile phone of an attorney-at-law, which may contain confidential personal and professional information, cannot be seized without a proper court order.
“The rights of Attorneys-at-Law to engage in their professional work in a free and fair atmosphere are vital for the proper dispensation of justice,” the BASL stated, warning that such actions could interfere with legal protections and professional conduct.
The letter, signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura A. Galhena, called on the IGP to look into the matter and ensure that such practices are not repeated. (Newswire)