Janaka Bandara vs. Hon. Upali Abeyrathne and others – CA WRIT 173/2021-2022

In the case between Janaka Bandara (Petitioner, Senior State Counsel) and, inter alia, Hon. Upali Abeyrathne (Chairman, Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization), Hon. Daya Chandrasiri Jayathilake, Mr. Chandra Fernando, and the Attorney General (Respondents), the court addressed whether the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization (PCIPV) possessed legal authority to investigate or make recommendations adverse to the petitioner in connection with his actions as a State Counsel. It was held that the PCIPV exceeded its mandate as prescribed by its governing instruments and lacked jurisdiction to make recommendations or findings against officers of the Attorney General’s Department acting within the scope of official duties. The findings against t