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Sarath de Abrew case: CID to file report in court
View(s):The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Tuesday will file a report in the Mountt Lavinia Magistrate courts on the progress of the investigations on the allegations that Supreme Court Judge Justice Sarath de Abrew assaulted a domestic at his residence, Police Media Spokesperson ASP Ruwan Gunasekara told the Sunday Times.
He said that the CID would file the report in courts and seek a directive from the Magistrate for further steps.The 39 year old domestic (Nilusha Damayanthi) had complained to the Mount Lavinia police in the early hours of June 26 that she was assaulted the previous night.
She was admitted by the Police to the Kalubowila hospital soon after and was discharged only on Friday.Kalubowila Hospital Director, Dr. Asela Gunawardane told the Sunday Times that a Judicial Medical Officer’s report regarding the victim also will be submitted to courts on Tuesday.
The Police earlier filed a report in the Mt Lavinia courts on June 27 in which they say that the domestic had claimed that she had sustained injuries after the assault. She had claimed that she has been assaulted on several occasions by justice Abrew.
ASP Gunasekara stated that the team of police officers including the Assistant Superintendent of Police – Mount Lavinia has visited the judge’s residence on June 29, to record Justice Abrew’s statement, but he had refused to make a statement and asked police officers to come with Attorney General’s permission.
The CID made a second attempt to record his statement yesterday, but was told that Justice Abrew was away. ASP Gunasekara said that two women PC’s were provided for the protection of the victim while at hospital, following a request by the hospital.
Hospital Director Dr. Gunawardane said that Justice Abrew had visited the hospital several times to inquire after the victim’s well-being.
Meanwhile, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has written to President Maithripala Sirisena to take immediate steps against Justice Abrew. The BASL also has requested the Chief Justice not to allow Justice Abrew to hear cases or carry out public functions as a judge until the end of investigations against him. The Bar has urged other judges to step down if Judge Sarath de Abrew was on the same bench until police investigations are over.
Lawyers Collective Spokesperson Senior Counsel J.C Weliamuna stated that they are expecting a fair investigation by CID and would wait till Tuesday for further action. Mr. Weliamuna said that the Judge should step down without further embarrassing the judicial system of the Country.