AG says all SC judges have determined on basis to proceed

All judges of the Supreme Court have determined that there is a basis to proceed with contempt of court charges against Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake for allegedly casting insulting remarks on the reputation of the judiciary and lawyers, the Attorney General informed Supreme Court yesterday.

Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana PC appearing for the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that the judges of the Supreme Court have determined to proceed with contempt of court charges against the Deputy Minister after perusing the transcript of the video footage pertaining to the alleged derogatory statement.

The Supreme Court two-judge-Bench comprising Justice Eva Wanasundara and Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya yesterday referred the matter to be heard on June 18 before the Chief Justice in order to take further action.

Meanwhile, President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran appearing for Deputy Minister Ramanayake informed Court that his client was filing written submissions explaining as to why court should not take action against him regarding two contempt of Court actions.

Ven.Magalkande Sudantha Thera of the Bodu Bala Sena Organization 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.