CID Moves to Charge Multiple Figures For Contempt

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Criminal Investigation Department informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that media statements made by several individuals regarding the ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks have amounted to contempt of court.

Those named in the submission include Dilith Jayaweera, Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila, Sugeeshwara Bandara, Mahinda Pathirana, and Asanka Navaratne.

The CID reported these facts to court by filing a motion before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena.

The Criminal Investigation Department informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that Dilith Jayaweera, Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila, Sugeshwara Bandara, Mahinda Pathirana, and Asanka Navaratne have made statement in efforts to create public opposition to the ongoing investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks, following the arrest of suspect Suresh Salley.

Excerpt from CID Statement

“These individuals, particularly during the period following the hospitalization of the third suspect, have acted in a manner that created public dissatisfaction, suspicion, disrespect, and contempt toward the judicial process, while attempting to generate public opposition against the court. Through these actions, they have engaged in organized and deliberate efforts that could adversely affect the investigation.”

Investigating officers further informed the Fort Magistrate’s Court that steps will be taken to file charges against Dilith Jayaweera, Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila, Sugeshwara Bandara, Mahinda Pathirana, and Asanka Navaratne with the Court of Appeal, under the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Act, No. 8 of 2024.

Excerpt from CID Statement

“Your Honour, this report contains clear details of all defamatory statements made by these individuals through various media institutions. Accordingly, statements by MP Dilith Jayaweera, former MPs Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, Sugeeshwara Bandara, who served as the private secretary to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as well as Asanka Navaratne and Mahinda Pathirana, have been documented. These statements, made through electronic media and Facebook, have been deemed contemptuous toward both the investigation and the judiciary. Following investigations, we will proceed to file charges under the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Act, No. 8 of 2024 before the Court of Appeal. This case will be taken up again on July 1, and we request that notices be issued to summon these individuals before court.”

The CID also requested court orders to obtain unedited video footage from eight electronic media institutions that broadcast the statements in question.

In addition, investigators sought permission under Section 124 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979 to record statements from camera operators, journalists, presenters, directors, and other media personnel involved in recording and broadcasting the relevant material.

After considering the submissions, the Magistrate issued the necessary orders but rejected the request to issue notices to summon Dilith Jayaweera, Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila, Sugeshwara Bandara, Mahinda Pathirana, and Asanka Navaratne before the Fort Magistrate’s Court at this stage.

The Magistrate stated that the court had only been informed of the initiation of investigations, and under the relevant legal provisions, it was not possible to summon the individuals at this point.

He further directed that upon completion of investigations, charges should be filed before the Court of Appeal under the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Act, No. 8 of 2024, noting that the individuals would be required to appear before the appellate court thereafter.

Meanwhile, the CID also informed court that the presence of a Magistrate would be required at the Colombo National Hospital to examine suspect Suresh Salley.

In response, the Magistrate stated that if the suspect is currently admitted to the National Hospital, the examination should be carried out by the Maligakanda Magistrate.

Accordingly, the CID was instructed to notify the Maligakanda Magistrate to carry out the examination before June 20.

The case is scheduled to be taken up again on July 1 at 2:00 p.m.