ASG raises concerns over courtroom misconduct

By Bhagya Silva
Colombo, August 26 (Daily Mirror) - Appearing for the Attorney General’s Department, Additional Solicitor General Deelipa Peeris raised serious concerns before court regarding the recent conduct surrounding the proceedings.

He pointed out that during Friday’s hearing, a video of the court order had been recorded and circulated on social media. He further noted that while the suspect, Ranil Wickremesinghe was inside the dock, photographs of him were also taken and shared online.

The ASG told court that soon after the order was delivered, an organised group had spoken to the media outside, claiming that the ruling was handed down from 'Pelawatte.'

He stressed that such actions amounted to contempt of court.

He also informed court that a YouTuber had announced even before proceedings commenced that the suspect would be remanded, adding that an investigation is underway into this incident.

“No one can be allowed to insult or bring disrepute to court,” ASG Peeris said. 

“Comments were even made outside suggesting that we are Anura's contractors or aspiring to become the next Attorney General. These kinds of remarks are unacceptable.”

He further told court that the suspect had not spent even a single hour in remand custody, and stressed that it was for the Magistrate to decide on the matter, while a proper medical board should also examine the suspect.