Contempt of court order against editor:

Inquiry fixed for August 3

Wasantha RAMANAYAKE

The Supreme Court yesterday fixed the inquiry into the contempt of Court charges against Lanka Irida Sangrahaya Editor Chandana Sirimalwatte for August 03.

Respondent editor Sirimalwatte pleaded not guilty to the charges read out to him by Supreme Court Registrar M.M. Jayasekera. A copy of the charge sheet was also handed over to the respondent editor.

Chief Justice Asoka de Silva observed that the headline of the article published in the Lanka Irida Sangrahaya dated June 27 was different from what is in the content of the article. He noted that Sirimalwatte had used two other names. He further noted that reporters tend to use pen names when the reports are not accurate.

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Asoka de Silva, Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga and Justice K. Sripavan.

Chief Justice Asoka de Silva and other Judges of the Supreme Court were of the view that the headline article published in the Lanka Irida Sangrahaya dated June 27, purportedly written by Jagath Gunathilake was in contempt of the Judiciary.

Counsel J.C. Weliamuna for the respondent editor moved for two weeks time for the inquiry.

Counsel J.C. Weliamuna with Counsel Saliya Peiris appeared for respondent editor.

Deputy Solicitor General Sanjay Rajaratnam with Senior State Counsel Nerin Pulle appeared for the Attorney General.