• Petitioner states Nishantha is a suspect of a case before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court for allegedly attacking protesters at Galle Face and is currently on bail

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda 

A lawyer yesterday filed a contempt of court application in Court of Appeal seeking an order directing the Attorney General to draft charges against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha for committing the offence of contempt of court.

The petitioner Priyalal Sirisena, an Attorney-at-law by profession filed this application naming Puttalam District Parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the Attorney General as respondents. The petitioner is seeking an order to impose sentence on Sanath Nishantha for committing the offence of contempt of court punishable under Article 105(3) of the constitution.

The petitioner stated Sanath Nishantha is a suspect of a case before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court for allegedly attacking protesters at Galle Face and he is currently on bail subject to certain conditions imposed by the Magistrate.

The petitioner stated that on or around August 23, 2022, Sanath Nishantha addressing a press conference held at the party headquarters of the SLPP, made certain comments on the judiciary of Sri Lanka, especially in relation to the judicial officers.

The petitioner maintained that statement made by MP Sanath Nishantha has exceeded the right of the freedom of expression guaranteed under the constitution.  The petitioner is also seeking an order to issue summons on Sanath Nishantha to show cause as to why he should not be punished by court for the committing of the offence of the contempt of court.