Supreme court orders AG to file a change sheet against Ranjan Ramanayake

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - The Supreme Court has ordered the Attorney General to file a charge sheet against Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake on the 30^th of this month. The Supreme Court informed the Deputy Minister to submit a draft rule to court citing why he should not be punished for contempt of court for his remarks before the media that a majority of the judges and lawyers in the Sri Lankan legal system are corrupt. The order was issued when a complaint filed by Ven. Magalkande Sudantha Thera and Retired Army Officer Sunil Perera were considered by a bench comprising of Chief Justice Priyasath Dep and Murdu Fernando. Presenting facts to the court, President's Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran, representing Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake, said the petitioner has not followed proper procedure. President's Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran pointed out, that court should consider the complaint after notices have been issued on the respondents by the petitioner and summoning the respondents to court. The President's Counsel further pointed out that unless this legal procedure is followed, the Attorney General has no legal provision to interfere in the petition. Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, Senior Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Navana informed the court that the Attorney General has interfered in the petition based on an order issued by the court. Senior Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Navana further noted the case was taken up today to issue a verdict on the legal measures to be taken against Ranjan Ramanayake after the Supreme Court judges concluded that the Deputy Minister was in contempt of court.