Gampola Magistrate Kanchana Kodithuwakku has lodged a complaint with the Gampola Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), stating that she has received anonymous letters containing threats and defamatory remarks.
The letters have reportedly increased in frequency following several rulings she has delivered in ongoing court cases. In her complaint, Magistrate Kodituwakku has urged police to launch a full investigation, trace those responsible, and produce them before court.
Police confirmed that a special unit from the Divisional Criminal Investigation Branch has already commenced inquiries into the matter.
The situation escalated after a recent court session where the Magistrate reprimanded two female officers from a Divisional Secretariat who were attending court on the instructions of a Provincial Secretary. The officers were warned for repeatedly smirking during the Magistrate’s remarks made in open court. Despite the warning, their behaviour continued, prompting the court to take steps to escalate the matter to the Court of Appeal for contempt of court.
It has also been revealed that the case in question was originally scheduled for June, but was summoned for a hearing in May due to an alleged administrative error by the Divisional Secretariat.
Following this court appearance, the Magistrate received a threatening anonymous letter suggesting that “Gampola Court should not be elevated to the status of Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court,” implying discredit and intimidation. These incidents have been cited in the Magistrate’s complaint as part of a broader pattern of interference.
Additionally, reports indicate that the same Provincial Secretary had criticised the conduct of the Gampola Magistrate during a recent meeting chaired by the Kandy District Secretary. Police are now investigating whether there is a connection between that criticism and the anonymous letters.
