Kurunegala High Court Judge Tikiri Jayathilaka ordered the release of former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugedara on bail yesterday (14), delivering a scathing criticism of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for its handling of the arrest.
Judge Jayathilaka emphasized that Article 116 of the Code of Criminal Procedure clearly outlines the protocol for suspects when evidence is lacking. He emphasized the expectation for experienced officers in senior investigative roles to conduct inquiries within the bounds of the law. Furthermore, the High Court Judge reminded the CID of established legal precedents for proceeding when no evidence exists against a suspect, procedures he stated should have been followed in this case.
The judge concluded that the High Court found insufficient evidence to proceed with a case against Ulugedara, thus ordering his release. This incident follows a similar dismissal of a case against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, also due to improper adherence to the Code of Criminal Procedure. These recurring issues underscore the urgent need for a re-examination of the Police Department’s conduct when arresting state officials using incorrect procedures.
