3 November 2022 09:35 am Views - 231
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 yesterday.
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 programme attended by a President’s Counsel to express his views regarding the Thilini Priyamali 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 behaviour 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.
Filing a further report in Court, the CID said a complainant named Kamal Hassan has given 1kg gold jewellery to Priyamali and her business partner Isuru Bandara and they were recovered from a jeweller in Ja-Ela.
Meanwhile, the CID informed the Court that they have so far received 14 complaints against Thilini Priyamali and raised objections to release the suspects on bail.
Magistrate, decided to reject bail applications filed on behalf of four suspects including Thilini Priyamali, Isuru Bandara and Ven.Borelle Sirisumana Thera on the basis that possibility of arising a public disquiet once suspects were granted bail. They were further remanded till November 16.
Sarath Kongahage PC appeared for the second suspect. President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne appeared for the aggrieved party.