Alleged contempt of court remarks: Municipal councillor released on bail

By Bhagya Silva

Colombo, Sept. 18 (Daily Mirror) - Kotte Municipal Councillor Harshani Sandaruwani, who was produced before court on charges of contempt of court during proceedings in a case filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, was released on bail by Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththiikumara.

The Magistrate granted bail to the suspect on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each.

While granting bail, the Magistrate cautioned the Councillor to refrain from making political statements that may amount to contempt of court. He further warned that any such conduct would result in the cancellation of bail and the suspect being remanded.

The CID informed court that the suspect had made contemptuous remarks during the hearing of a case against Ranil Wickremesinghe and was accordingly arrested and produced before court.

The Magistrate inquired as to the exact statement made by the suspect. Police submitted that she had said, “This is a judgment given from Pelawatte.”

The Magistrate then ordered that the related video be played in court.

Appearing for the suspect, Counsel Ajith Pathirana informed court on behalf of the defence bar that his client had not committed any act amounting to contempt of court. He submitted that a YouTuber had in fact predicted two days earlier that Ranil Wickremesinghe would be taken into custody and remanded, and that it was improper for police to arrest his client without investigating that matter.

The defence further argued that the suspect was a mother of young children and an elected political representative, and that she had not insulted the judiciary.

Having considered all submissions, the Magistrate ordered that the suspect be released on bail.