10 March 2022 12:00 am Views - 117
BY Lakmal Sooriyagoda
Former State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake through his counsel yesterday informed Supreme Court that he is expecting to make a special regret if his utterances have caused any contempt towards the Supreme Court.
President’s Counsel Anura Meddegoda appearing for Ramanayake made this remark when the second contempt of court case filed against him was taken up before Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice S. Thurairaja and Justice Yasantha Kodagoda. The second contempt of court case had been filed against Ranjan Ramanayake for allegedly making a derogatory statement regarding the Supreme Court, while participating in the ‘Wada Pitiya’ programme on TV Derana.
On January 11, 2021, the Supreme Court convicted Ranjan Ramanayake for the offence of contempt of court in connection with the first contempt of court case and sentenced him to a term of four years rigorous imprisonment.
“I discussed with my client and he is ready to offer an unqualified special regret over the remarks he made at a television programme”,
Maddegoda said.
He further said his client did not make such a statement intentionally to contempt Supreme Court. The Senior Counsel for Ranjan Ramanayake moved Court that his client’s credentials in the cinema industry as the most popular actor, being a popular politician in the political arena and being a social activist in the society be considered without fixing the matter for an inquiry.
Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya directed the Attorney General to inform his stance regarding this development on the next inquiry date.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court declined to issue an order permitting Ranjan Ramanayake to attend a cinema event to be held on March 24 at the Savoy Theatre, where former Parliamentarian is cast in dual roles. Anura Meddegoda PC sought an order directing the Prison Authorities that his client be permitted to attend this ceremony since he has been invited to attend the ceremony. However, the Supreme Court rejected this application citing it has no jurisdiction. The Court observed that the respondent has been convicted for
a different case.
The matter was fixed for inquiry on March 25. The Supreme Court had served a rule under a complaint that Ranjan Ramanayake had commented on media regarding an ongoing case at Supreme Court in a manner of insulting and damaging the reputation of the judiciary.