Janaka Bandara vs. Hon. Upali Abeyrathne et al. – CA WRIT 173/2021-2021

In the case between Janaka Bandara, Senior State Counsel (petitioner), and Hon. Upali Abeyrathne (Retired Supreme Court Judge, Chairman of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry), Hon. Daya Chandrasiri Jayathilake (Retired Court of Appeal Judge, Commission Member), Mr. Chandra Fernando (Retired IGP, Commission Member), and others (respondents), the court addressed whether the Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization possessed jurisdiction to inquire into the official conduct of the petitioner and whether adverse findings or Cabinet decisions based on those findings could impact the petitioner’s career prior to review by a Special Presidential Commission. It was held that, pending final determination, no steps may be taken against the petitioner based on the impugned report or Cab