• Ramanayake stated that the statement made by him outside Temple Trees on 21st of August, 2017 was completely and utterly false
• He further stated that the said statement was derogatory and contemptuous of the judiciary of Sri Lanka

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

Filing an affidavit in Supreme Court, former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake has apologized to the judiciary for committing contempt of court.  

In his affidavit, the former Parliamentarian has given an undertaking that in his entire life, he would refrain from making any statement critical or derogatory to the judiciary.  

Ramanayake had filed a motion with an affidavit in Supreme Court through Attorney-at-law Dinesh Vidanapathirana.  

On January 12, 2021, the Supreme Court convicted Ranjan Ramanayake for the offence of contempt of court and sentenced him to a term of four years rigorous imprisonment.  

In his affidavit, Ramanayake stated that the statement made by him outside Temple Trees on 21st of August, 2017 is completely and utterly false. He further stated that the said statement was derogatory and contemptuous of the entire judiciary of Sri Lanka. Ramanayake said he is seeking forgiveness from the entire Judiciary of Sri Lanka for the said false statement he made outside the Temple Trees.  

Ramanayake further stated that several statements made by him outside the Supreme Court premises stating that he will not withdraw the statement made by him on 21st of August 2017, were false, wrongful and derogatory of the entire judiciary of Sri Lanka.   

Meanwhile, Ranjan Ramanayake stated that in the future and in his entire life he will not make any statement critical or derogatory of the Chief justice and other judges of the Supreme Court and all other judges of the Appellate Courts as well as the original courts.   

Ramanayake was charged for committing the offence of contempt of court punishable under Article 105(3) of the constitution when he made the statement on August 21, 2017 outside the Temple Trees.