The Court of Appeal was informed today that the police constable who was allegedly involved in an altercation with lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake on October 10 had been transferred to the Mount Lavinia Police Headquarters Station on disciplinary grounds, before the incident.
Appearing on behalf of Wanninayake, President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya told the court that the Police Constable had been transferred from the Kesbewa Police Station on disciplinary grounds, in accordance with the Public Service Commission Procedural Rules.
Informing the court that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had failed to disclose this fact to the court, President’s Counsel Jayasuriya raised concern over how this policeman was assigned for duty at the Mount Lavinia Court premises.
President’s Counsel further informed the court that a copy of the police transfer letter dated August 5, 2025, would be submitted to the court by way of a motion.
The two-judge bench of the Court of Appeal, comprising President of the Court of Appeal Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando, subsequently fixed the matter for January 14.
The order was issued when the writ petition filed by lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake before the Court of Appeal seeking an order to prevent his arrest before being produced before the court was taken up for consideration today.
The Police constable in question was arrested and remanded over allegations that he assaulted lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake following an argument related to removing a vehicle from the Mount Lavinia Court premises. He was later granted bail.
Lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake, who also later surrendered and appeared before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court over the incident, was also released on bail. (Newswire)