Gammanpila, Weerawansa, Dilith and others named in contempt of court probe by CID

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today (15) that an investigation has been launched into several individuals, including former MPs Udaya Gammanpila, Wimal Weerawansa, and Parliamentarian Dilith Jayaweera, over alleged statements made through electronic and social media that could obstruct the Easter Sunday terror attack investigations and amount to contempt of court.

The CID stated that the investigation was initiated over public statements made by the above individuals — former MPs Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerawansa, Parliamentarian Dilith Jayaweera, as well as Sugeeshwara Bandara, Asanka Navaratna, and Mahinda Pathirana —regarding former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay.

The CID further requested the court to issue notices instructing the relevant individuals to appear before court on July 1.

After considering the request, the Magistrate stated that there was no necessity for the court to issue such notices and that any relevant matters concerning the individuals could be directed to the Court of Appeal.

The CID also requested that the court take note of the third suspect in the case, former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay.

In response, the Magistrate directed that the Magistrate of the Maligakanda Court — under whose jurisdiction the National Hospital falls — be informed, and that arrangements be made to have the suspect examined before June 20.

Presenting further submissions, CID officers told the court:
“A supplementary report of 14 pages is being submitted today. Several orders are being requested. The third suspect in this case is currently under a detention order. He has refused meals since June 5, and is now being treated in Ward 42 of the National Hospital under the care of four specialist doctors.”

“It is evident that a politically organised group is attempting to further reinforce his actions. They are working in a manner that obstructs the course of justice and creates public distrust and opposition toward the Judiciary.”

“They have been disseminating statements through electronic and social media regarding the Easter Sunday attack investigation. Details, including photographs and excerpts of their statements, have been included in the supplementary report submitted today.”

“Those who have made allegedly contemptuous statements include former MPs Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, MP Dilith Jayaweera, Sugeeshwara Bandara, Asanka Navaratna, and Mahinda Pathirana. Mahinda Pathirana has made social media publications, while the others have made statements via electronic media.”

“Under Section 3(1)(a) of Act No. 8 of 2024, such publications constitute a punishable offence.”