The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on Monday that an investigation has been launched into six politicians over alleged contempt of court arising from public statements made regarding former State Intelligence Service Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay.
The individuals named in the investigation are Members of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera, Udaya Gammanpila and former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, as well as Asanka Navaratne, Sugeeshwara Bandara and Mahinda Pathirana.
The CID told Magistrate Pasan Amarasena that the group had made statements through electronic media concerning Sallay, who is currently in custody in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
Investigators argued that the statements in question may have obstructed the administration of justice and undermined public confidence in the judiciary.
During the proceedings, the Magistrate directed several state and private media institutions, including Rupavahini, ITN, Swarnavahini, Sirasa TV, Hiru TV, Derana TV, Shakthi TV, Wasantham TV and TNL, to submit unedited footage of the relevant statements to assist the investigation.
The court, however, declined a request to summon the six individuals at this stage. Magistrate Amarasena observed that any contempt proceedings, if warranted, could be initiated directly before the Court of Appeal upon completion of the investigation.
The matter was fixed for July 11 for the court to review the progress of the CID’s investigations.
