Foxhill accident that killed 8: Ban on the order to arrest organizers

The Badulla High Court has suspended an order issued by the Bandarawela Magistrate's Court to arrest and produce the organizers of the accident that occurred during the 2024 Diyatalawa Foxhill Supercross tournament. This interim prohibitory order was issued by High Court Judge Mahinda Liyanagama after considering a revision application filed by Mr. Ashhar Hameem, former President of the Sri Lanka Automobile Association, and Mr. Shehan de Tissera, former Secretary, regarding this tragedy which claimed the lives of eight people and injured 19 others.

The Bandarawela Magistrate had previously issued the relevant arrest warrant, determining that the event organizers had primarily failed to ensure adequate security arrangements for the spectators attending the tournament. The Magistrate had further ordered the police to arrest and produce responsible officials from both Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS) and the Sri Lanka Army Military Academy before the court, and to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the incident.

Appearing for the petitioners, President's Counsel Anuja Premaratne submitted to the court that the Magistrate's order was issued without a proper understanding of the facts. He presented these arguments under the instructions of Attorney-at-Law Sudath Jayawardena. Deputy Solicitor General Prasanna Bandara and Government Counsel Oswald Lakshan Perera, appearing for the Attorney General, stated that these deaths cannot be determined as a criminal offense and that they do not agree with the Magistrate's decision.

Considering the submissions, High Court Judge Liyanagama ordered the suspension of the execution of the arrest warrants and informed the parties to file objections on January 19. Meanwhile, to investigate the facts related to this accident, one committee was appointed by the Sri Lanka Automobile Association under the chairmanship of President's Counsel Chandana Liyanapatabendi, and another committee by the Sri Lanka Army. However, these committee reports have not yet been made public, and it is reported that the Liyanapatabendi committee remains inactive due to a lack of facilities.