Courtesy The Daily News

The Court of Appeal (CA) yesterday issued notice with summons on National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Convener Prof. Sarath Wijesuriya to appear in Court on June 21 to show cause as to why he should not be punished by court for committing the offence of Contempt of Court. The Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justice Deepali Wijesundara and Justice Achala Wengappuli made this order pursuant to a Contempt of Court action filed by Attorney-at-Law Sampath Vijitha Kumara and retired Army Officer Anil Wasantha Alwis.

The petitioners are concerned with the statements made by the Prof. Wijesuriya, at public gathering and via public media on the judges, scandalizing the judiciary and the entire system of administration of justice in order to advance the calculated motive of diminishing public confidence in the judiciary. Through this petition, the petitioners are urging that steps be taken against Prof. Wijesuriya as per Article 105(3) of the Constitution on the offences of Contempt of Court by several speeches made by him on several occasions. The petitioners are urging to punish the respondent for the offence of Contempt of Court under Article 105 (3) of the Constitution.

The petitioners stated that on or around October 15, 2016 the Independent Cinema Movement of Sri Lanka has uploaded a voice cut of the respondent on Youtube, expressing his views on the court order for halt the screening of Prasanna Vithanage’s film ‘Usaviya Nihadai’ (Silence in Court). The petitioners further stated that Prof. Sarath Wijesuriya delivered another speech on or around September 13, 2016 at the book launch of ‘Jana Aragalayaka Diya Salakuna’ at the Public Library Auditorium where he uttered the contemptuous statement.

The petitioners further stated that at a press conference organized by National Movement for Social Justice on August 21, 2018, the respondent had made another contemptuous statement. The petitioners further said the statements made by the respondent amount to undermining the independence of the judiciary and eroding the integrity of the judiciary.

**********************************************

CA issues summons on Prof. Sarath Wijesuriya – (15:04)

The Court of Appeal  issued notice with summons on Convener of National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Prof.Sarath Wijesuriya to appear in Court on June 21 to show cause as to why he should not be punished by court for committing the offence of contempt of court.

Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justice Deepali Wijesundara and Justice Achala Wengappuli made this order pursuant to a contempt of court action filed by Attorney-at-law Sampath Vijitha Kumara and retired Army Officer Anil Wasantha Alwis.