Retired Major Ajith Prasanna remanded till February 7th

Colombo (News 1st): Retired Major Ajith Prasanna was remanded until February 7th by Colombo High Court Judge Dhammika Ganepola. Ajith Prasanna was arrested for contempt of court by criticizing High Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga and rulings he delivered. The Criminal Investigations Department filed a complaint with the Colombo High Court citing Ajith Prasanna had committed contempt of court by criticizing in the presence of the media, the case filed against Ex-Magistrate Thilinga Gamage at the Colombo High Court and various other cases examined by High Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga. Colombo High Court Judge Dhammika Ganepola who conducted a preliminary examination ordered for Major Ajith Prasanna be produced through a JMO to a Consultant Psychiatrist for examination and report to the court on his mental condition. Court also noted it was evident the defendant had committed contempt of court as the statements he made to the media were viewed as an unnecessary influence on serving justice. The CID Director was ordered to record further statements from the suspect and report to the court. Senior State Counsel Janaka Bandara appearing for the Attorney General presented verbal and documented facts on statements made by the defendant. He pointed out the statements caused harm to the reputation and independence of the entire judicial system. Senior State Counsel Janaka Bandara requested the court to remand Ajith Prasanna as granting bail would cause an influence on the investigations and witnesses. Colombo Additional Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage ordered the Criminal Investigations Department to arrest Ajith Prasanna for making comments at the media briefing in a bid to influence the witnesses in the case filed over the abduction and enforced disappearance of 11 youth from Colombo, a matter which is being taken up at the Fort Magistrate's Court.