By Sri Lanka Cracks Down on Contempt of Court: Tough Action Against Social Media and Legal Violations
Sri Lanka’s courts have taken strong action against individuals accused of contempt of court in two separate high-profile cases. One involves social media posts targeting a High Court judge, while the other concerns a lawyer found guilty of tampering with court records. These cases highlight the strict approach Sri Lanka takes toward protecting judicial integrity and upholding the rule of law.
Social Media Users Face Investigation for Criticizing High Court Judge
The Colombo High Court has ordered an urgent investigation into individuals who made Facebook posts against Judge Manjula Tilakaratne, who is presiding over a financial fraud case against MP Namal Rajapaksa. The court’s Chief Registrar was directed to present a detailed report on the Facebook users involved.
According to the complaint filed by the Chief Registrar S.A.I. Ranjith, Facebook accounts under the names “Poddala Jayanta” and “Sanath Balasuriya” shared posts that were seen as insulting the judiciary. The complaint argues that these posts undermine public confidence in the court system and could be considered contempt of court.
The case against Namal Rajapaksa involves allegations that he misused Rs. 70 million obtained from an Indian company, Krish Lanka Pvt Ltd, for a rugby tournament. Following his indictment, he was granted bail, but the case has attracted widespread social media discussion. The court is now investigating whether certain online statements amount to a direct challenge to judicial authority.
Sri Lanka’s laws strictly prohibit contempt of court, which includes defaming judges, obstructing legal proceedings, or influencing public opinion against the judiciary. Legal experts warn that offenders could face heavy penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Lawyer Jailed for Destroying Supreme Court Documents
In a separate case, the Supreme Court sentenced lawyer Dharmasiri Karunaratne to two years of rigorous imprisonment for contempt of court. He was also fined Rs. 100,000, with an additional two years of suspended imprisonment if he fails to pay within 90 days.
Karunaratne was found guilty of illegally taking and destroying a confidential court document from the Court of Appeal archives. The Supreme Court panel, consisting of Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Arjuna Obeysekera, and Sampath Wijesekera, ruled that his actions directly obstructed the course of justice and constituted a serious violation of judicial integrity.
The case has sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka’s legal community, as contempt of court is a rare but severe charge, particularly against a lawyer. The ruling reinforces the zero-tolerance policy on attempts to interfere with court procedures.
Sri Lanka’s Strict Approach to Contempt of Court
These two cases emphasize Sri Lanka’s firm stance on contempt of court, whether it occurs through social media attacks or direct interference in legal proceedings. Legal experts believe such actions are necessary to preserve public trust in the judiciary and deter attempts to manipulate or undermine court decisions.
With growing social media influence, Sri Lankan authorities are increasingly monitoring online activity related to legal matters, ensuring that judicial independence remains protected. These cases serve as a clear warning that those who disrespect the courts—whether through words or actions—will face severe consequences.
