CID informs court of investigation into contempt allegations against six individuals

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (15) that it has initiated an investigation into allegations of contempt of court involving six individuals, including former Ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila and Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera.

Investigators informed court that the probe was launched over statements allegedly made via electronic media, which they said could obstruct ongoing investigations related to former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who is currently in remand custody, and may amount to contempt of court.

The CID further informed court through a detailed report that the investigation also covers statements made by MP Dilith Jayaweera, former MPs Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, Asanka Navarathne, Sugeeshwara Bandara and Mahinda Pathirana.

The CID requested court to issue notices directing the six individuals to appear before court on July 1.

However, the Magistrate stated that issuing summons requiring their appearance before the Magistrate’s Court was not necessary at this stage.

Court further observed that, as the matter falls under the Contempt of Court Act No. 8 of 2024, any further proceedings should be pursued following proper legal assessment, and if necessary, action should be initiated before the Court of Appeal rather than summoning the individuals to the Magistrate’s Court.