Ranjan reads a BA degree while behind bars

• An order was sought directing the prison authorities that adequate facilities be arranged for him

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

The Supreme Court was yesterday informed that former Gampaha district Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake is currently reading a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree while behind bars.   

President’s Counsel Anura Meddegoda appearing for Ramanayake who is currently serving four years rigorous imprisonment, sought an order directing the prison authorities that adequate facilities be arranged for him to access online studies for the first year’s second semester of the BA degree programme. Meddegoda said his client is pursuing a degree programme offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka.   

President’s Counsel made this request when the second contempt of court case came before Supreme Court for inquiry.   

Supreme Court two-judge-bench comprising Justice S. Thurairaja and Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz referred the request for the attention of prison authorities.   

On January 11, the Supreme Court convicted Ranjan Ramanayake for the offence of contempt of court and sentenced him to a term of four years rigorous imprisonment.   

The second rule with contempt of court charges filed against Ranjan Ramanayake for allegedly making a derogatory statement regarding the Supreme Court was fixed for January 24. 

 
The Supreme Court had served a rule pursuant to a complaint that Ranjan Ramanayake had made a comment on media regarding an ongoing case at Supreme Court in a manner of insulting and damaging the reputation of the judiciary. It is alleged that the former State Minister had allegedly insulted the Supreme Court by publicly prejudging a fundamental rights violation petition which was filed, over the dissolution of Parliament on October last year. 

• The second rule with contempt of court charges filed against Ranjan  Ramanayake for allegedly making a derogatory statement regarding the  Supreme Court was fixed for January 24