Former Excise chief facing contempt of court charges, allowed to leave for Australia

The Supreme Court yesterday (17) permitted former Excise Commissioner M.J. Gunasiri to leave the country following representations made by President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva on his behalf.

Gunasiri had earlier assured the Supreme Court that he wouldn’t leave the country without securing court permission.

A motion was filed before the Supreme Court in October, seeking a travel ban on the former Excise Commissioner involved in a contempt of court case.

The Excise Commissioner General and several other respondents have been accused of disregarding a Supreme Court interim order by unlawfully issuing new liquor licences.

The Court had previously prohibited the issuance of new liquor licences.

The respondents named in the motion include former Commissioner of Excise M.J. Gunasiri, Additional Director General A.M.P. Arampath, and Deputy Excise Commissioners K. Dharmasilan and C.J. Weerakkody.

The petitioner expressed concern that these officials, who are facing contempt charges, may attempt to leave the country, which could impede legal proceedings. As a result, the motion prayed for an injunction to prevent their departure, arguing that their absence could cause significant prejudice to the case.

However, following representations made before the Supreme Court, Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Achala Wengappuli and Priyantha Fernando allowed Gunasiri to be out of the country between January 22 and February 28, 2025.

Romesh de Silva told the court that his client wanted to visit Australia for a private matter.