Thilini Priyamali has been prejudiced by the media- Defence Counsel

Continuous media publications could adversely affect the rights of Thilini Priyamali who is currently held in remand custody in connection with alleged financial misappropriation incidents, defence counsel informed court today.
 
Attorney-at-law Dasun Nagahawatta appearing for Thilini Priyamali alleged that unsubstantiated allegations are being levelled against his client by mainstream media regarding an ongoing court case and it would adversely affect court proceedings as well.
 
He brought the attention of court regarding a TV program attended by a President’s Counsel to express his views regarding the Thilini Proyamali case contrary to the professional ethics. He said his client has not been found guilty for any offence since she is a suspect in an investigation pending case. Defence counsel alleged that a Sinhala language newspaper has come to a premature conclusion that his client is possessing money generated by drug trafficking.
 
Defence Counsel moved Court that an appropriate order be issued in this regard in order to prevent causing any prejudice to the court proceedings still being pending in the court.
 
However, the Magistrate observed that he has no authority to control the behavior of the media and further maintained that it is a responsibility of the defence to choose an appropriate forum to take action over alleged breach of professional ethics. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)