Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Dileepa Peiris yesterday (26) told the Fort Magistrate’s Court that action will be taken against a “loudmouthed” YouTuber who allegedly attempted to obstruct judicial proceedings in connection with the case on the misuse of state funds during former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s London visit in 2023.
Making submissions on behalf of the Attorney General’s Department, ASG Peiris said he wished to raise several matters before addressing issues directly related to the case.
ASG Dileepa Peiris noted that attempts had been made to intimidate the judicial process, particularly following the remand order issued on 22 August.
“Your Honour, during the last hearing on 22 August, while the order was being read, someone videotaped the proceedings for about a minute. Photos of the suspect were also taken and circulated on social media. This is unacceptable,” Peiris said.
He added that it had taken over an hour for court officials to leave the premises due to the tense situation that followed. “It is a dangerous environment if we have to come to Court in fear. Such actions cannot be condoned. We cannot allow thuggery and intimidation within the Court premises. Some individuals even claimed the verdict was an order issued from Pelawatte. How can such things be said immediately after a Court order is pronounced? We request the opportunity to conduct a fair investigation and trial. Justice must not only hold the scales but also wield the sword,” he stressed.
Peiris further drew attention to a controversial YouTuber who, he said, had insulted the judicial process and spread misinformation regarding the case.
“There is this loudmouthed YouTuber who insulted the entire judicial process and stirred controversy even before the case began. We will definitely take action against him. The CID Director has been instructed to look into the matter, and steps will be taken against such individuals,” he said.
ASG Dileepa Peiris added that while officials of the CID and the Attorney General’s Department could endure personal attacks, insulting the judiciary could not be tolerated. He demanded a full investigation into those who filmed inside the Court and made inflammatory statements outside.
