The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday directed the SC Registrar to send the transcript of the video footage pertaining to the alleged derogatory statement made by Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake to all judges of the Supreme Court to determine the gravity of the offence.
Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana appearing for the Attorney General informed Court that he is expecting to file a charge sheet after obtaining the Supreme Court’s opinion whether court should issue a Rule or not against the respondent.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court three-judge-Bench comprising Justice Sisira de Abrew, Justice Nalin Perera and Justice Vijith Malalgoda fixed the matter for mention on March 23.
Counsel Rasika Dissanayake appearing for the petitioners told court that Sirasa TV channel has already handed over video footage pertaining to the alleged offensive statement.
President’s Counsel Hemantha Warnakulasuriya appearing for the Bar Association of Sri Lanka moved to issue a Rule regarding two contempt of Court actions filed against the Deputy Minister for allegedly casting insulting remarks on the reputation of the judiciary and lawyers, at a press conference.
Ven. Magalkande Sudantha Thera of the Bodu Bala Sena Organisation and R.Sunil Perera, a retired Air Force Officer had made complaints to the Supreme Court seeking a contempt of court action against Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake for allegedly making insulting remarks on the reputation of the judiciary and lawyers, at a press conference held on August 21.
Counsel Rasika Dissanayake with Sandun Senadhipathi under the instructions of Sanath Wijewardena appeared for the complainants. President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran appeared for the respondent. Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana appeared for the Attorney General.