A lawyer files contempt of court case against Sanath Nishantha

August 29, 2022

A lawyer today filed a contempt of court application in the Court of Appeal against Parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha. He sought an order directing the Attorney General to draft a rule 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 Puttlam District Parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the Attorney General as respondents.

The petitioner is seeking an order to impose a sentence on Sanath Nishantha for committing the offence of contempt of court punishable under Article 105(3) of the constitution.

The petitioner stated that Sanath Nishantha is a suspect in 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.