AG cracks whip on Act. IGP on Judge Pilapitiya matter

Colombo (News 1st): The Acting Inspector General of Police C. D. Wickramaratne responded to a letter issued by Attorney General Dappula De Livera directing the Acting IGP to submit an explanation with regard to the non-compliance with his advice to invoke the judicial process in connection to interdicted High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiya. On the 07th of February 2020, the Attorney General said the evidence makes it clear the first and second suspects – MP Ranjan Ramanayake and Gihan Pilapitiya had conspired to prepare fabricated evidence to be used in a judicial proceeding. The AG noted it is also clear, the suspects had discussed among themselves on refusing bail to a separate suspect and sending him into remand custody, while Gihan Pilapitiya was serving as a Magistrate. Yesterday – 10th February 2020, the Acting IGP in a letter to the AG said, the investigating officials had noted it is still unclear in which judicial area the controversial telephone conversation took place between the Parliamentarian and the Interdicted High Court Judge. Today, Attorney General Dappula De Livera expressed his displeasure to the Acting Inspector General of Police C.D.Wickramaratne over his response in dealing with the AGs advice. In addition, the Attorney General had directed the Acting IGP to immediately invoke the Judicial Process in the case relating to Interdicted High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiya. It was on the 23rd of January 2020, Attorney General Dappula De Livera instructed the Director of the Colombo Crimes Division to obtain a warrant for the arrest of Interdicted High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiya. The Attorney General says it is disappointing to note the Acting IGP in his letter of explanation sent yesterday, claims the Police cannot establish the judicial area in which the controversial telephone conversation between MP Ranjan Ramanayake and the Interdicted High Court Judge had taken place. Attorney General De Livera considering the investigative material strongly advised for the judicial area to be listed as Colombo and Nugegoda as the said it is clear the conversations had taken place in those areas. Attorney General Dappula De Livera adviced the Acting IGP to reports facts to the Nugegoda Magistrate's Court today and take necessary judicial steps before the end of the day.