The Fort Magistrate’s Court has reported to the Court of Appeal that opposition politicians Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and Dilith Jayaweera, along with Sugeeshwara Bandara, Asanka Navaratne and Mahinda Pathirana, have committed contempt of court.
Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena ruled on September 5 that the six individuals had committed contempt of court through statements made regarding former intelligence chief Suresh Sale, who is being detained and questioned in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.
According to a report submitted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the individuals had expressed views in violation of the Contempt of Court Act No. 08 of 2024.
The Magistrate found that former ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, MP Dilith Jayaweera, former Presidential Secretary Sugeeshwara Bandara, Sri Lanka Mahajana Party leader Asanka Navaratne and senior academic Mahinda Pathirana had committed contempt of court through statements made during a satyagraha held in front of the Fort Railway Station concerning the detention and questioning of Suresh Sale.
After considering the CID’s request and reviewing a lengthy report, Magistrate Amarasena stated that the matter would be referred to the Court of Appeal for further legal action.
Accordingly, the Fort Magistrate’s Court has formally informed the Court of Appeal that the six individuals committed contempt of court, paving the way for further proceedings before the higher court.