News Director of the Sirasa Media Network yesterday informed the Supreme Court that the original video clip pertaining to the alleged contemptuous statement made by State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake was not currently available from his media institution’s computer system.
The witness, Gayan Sampath explained that there is a practice of deleting old video footage from the computer system and thereby the original video clip pertaining to this incident no longer available at his media institution.
The Supreme Court yesterday commenced hearing into the contempt of court case filed against Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake for allegedly casting insulting remarks on the reputation of the judiciary and lawyers before Supreme Court three-judge-Bench comprising Justice Sisira de Abrew, Justice Prasanna Jayawardena and Justice Vijith K. Malalgoda. Evidence was led by Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana. The witness was cross-examined by President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran.
The matter was fixed for further inquiry on January 30.
At a previous occasion, all judges of the Supreme Court had determined to proceed with contempt of court charges against Deputy Minister after perusing the transcript of the video footage pertaining to the alleged derogatory statement.
Ven. Magalkande Sudantha Thera and R.Sunil Perera, a retired Air Force Officer had made complaints to the Supreme Court seeking a contempt of court action against Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake for allegedly making an insulting remarks on the reputation of the judiciary and lawyers, at a press conference held on August 21 last year.
Supreme Court three-judge-Bench comprised Chief Justice Priyasath Dep, Justice Vijith Malalgoda and Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya.
Counsel Rasika Dissanayake with Sandun Senadhipathi under the instructions of Sanath Wijewardena appeared for the complainants. President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran appeared for the respondent. Additional Solicitor General Priyantha Nawana with Senior State Counsel Counsel Suharshi Herath Jayaweera appeared for the Attorney General.
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