Colombo Crime Division has requested the mobile phone of Attorney Dinesh Dodamgoda, who is the legal counsel of Thusitha Halloluwa, the former Director General of Public Relations for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the shooting incident involving Halloluwa’s vehicle.
On the night of May 17, two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle opened fire at the vehicle in which Thusitha Halloluwa was traveling in the Narahenpita Roundabout area.
At the time of the incident, Attorney Dinesh Dodamgoda was also in the vehicle with Thusitha Halloluwa and sustained minor injuries, for which he was hospitalized.
The investigation into the shooting, which was allegedly targeted at Thusitha Halloluwa, has now been handed over to the Colombo Crime Division.
In relation to the request for his mobile phone for the investigation, Attorney Dinesh Dodamgoda has raised objections, stating that he is a practicing lawyer and that his phone contains confidential client files and information. He emphasized that, under the lawyer-client relationship, it is both his duty and right to protect the confidentiality of such data.
He has informed the Colombo Crime Division that he would only allow his phone to be examined under the guidance and within the limits set by the Supreme Court, and only in relation to matters pertinent to the investigation during the time he was involved.
A written notification sent by Attorney Dinesh Dodamgoda to the Director of the Colombo Crime Division reads as follows:
Subject: Request for My Mobile Phone for the Purpose of an Investigation
On the night of Saturday, the 17th (May), I was returning from providing legal advisory services to my client Mr. Thusitha Halloluwa. While we were traveling through the Narahenpita Roundabout area, our vehicle came under gunfire. On May 19, you verbally informed me that my mobile phone is requested for the ongoing investigation regarding this incident.
As I am a lawyer by profession, and my phone stores sensitive client files and information, I have a professional duty and legal right under the lawyer-client relationship to protect the confidentiality of such information.
However, I am prepared to act in accordance with the directions issued by the Honorable Supreme Court, in a way that ensures the confidentiality of the data is preserved and confirmed to me as well. I am committed to complying with any ruling made by the Honorable Supreme Court regarding the handover of my phone for your investigation.
Furthermore, I am willing to grant access to my phone for investigation purposes strictly limited to the timeframe relevant to my involvement, as per the directions issued by the Honorable Supreme Court.
Additionally, I kindly request that this letter be annexed to your application if you intend to seek a court order from the Honorable Supreme Court regarding this matter.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dinesh D. Dodamgoda
