Colombo High Court suspends proceedings against Ravi Seneviratne

09-Aug-2026

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The Colombo High Court has issued an interim order suspending proceedings in a case pending before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court against former Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police and Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne.

The case relates to three charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol.

The petition was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne on August 7, 2026.

The Mount Lavinia Police had instituted proceedings against Seneviratne in connection with a road accident that occurred on Marine Drive, Wellawatte, in 2023. The charges included failing to prevent the accident, driving negligently and driving under the influence of alcohol.

When the case was taken up before Mount Lavinia Magistrate Kanchana Niranjana de Silva on July 9, Seneviratne admitted to the charge of failing to prevent the accident and was fined Rs. 2,500.

At the same hearing, the police sought permission to withdraw the other two charges. However, the Magistrate declined the request and ordered that the case be taken up for hearing on August 20.

Senior President’s Counsel Kapila Vaidyaratne, appearing for Seneviratne, subsequently filed a revision petition before the Colombo High Court, arguing that the Magistrate’s decision not to permit the withdrawal of the charges was erroneous.

After considering the petition, High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne issued an interim order suspending proceedings before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court until September 7.

The Judge also directed that notices be issued requiring the Officer-in-Charge of the Wellawatte Police Station and the Attorney General, who are respondents in the petition, to appear before court on September 7.