AG seeks explanation from Acting IGP for inaction on directive to arrest HC Judge

• AG directed CCD to obtain arrest warrant against interdicted HC Judge Pilapitiya on 23 Jan.
• Acting IGP set up committee to study AG’s directive
• AG in letter seeks immediate explanation for not acting on his directive
• Cautions of possible violation of FR provisions in Constitution that guarantee equality before law for all citizens

Attorney General Dappula De Livera yesterday cautioned Acting Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne on the possible violation of Article 12(1) of the Constitution by not complying with the AG’s directive to arrest interdicted High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiya and sought an explanation in this regard. In a letter to the IGP, the AG sought an immediate explanation as to why no action had been taken to obtain a warrant against Pilapitiya who is under interdiction after phone conversations he had with UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake were leaked over the media. 

The High Court Judge is facing charges under the Penal Code for conspiring with Ramanayake to fabricate false evidence.

“All instruments of governance must act in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution including Article 12 (1) which states ‘all persons are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law’ read with Article 4 which sets out the manner in which the sovereignty of the people shall be exercised and enjoyed. Article 12 (2) of the states that ‘no citizen shall be discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion, language, caste, sex, political opinion, place of birth or any one of such grounds,’” the AG said in his letter.

The AG directed the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) on 23 January to obtain a warrant for Pilapitiya’s arrest. Instead the Acting IGP appointed a five-member committee to study the instructions issued by the AG and said he would await the report of the Committee before taking action.

The AG’s office yesterday also released the text of the relevant part of the conversation between Ramanayake and Pilapitiya.