Lawyers have decided (20th) not to go through the scanner installed to check all individuals entering the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Although they will not go through the scanner, the lawyers have agreed to be searched by police officers on security duty near the gate of the court complex using devices that detect weapons and explosives.
These decisions were reached following a special discussion held on the security situation at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court Complex in the afternoon (20th). The meeting was conducted under the patronage of Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali, with the participation of all Additional Magistrates of the Court, DIG Udith Liyanage, senior police officers, and the President of the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court Bar Association, Senior Attorney Gunaratne Wanninayake, along with other lawyers.
The discussion was held in the official chambers of the Colombo Chief Magistrate. The concern over security arose after Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa, an alleged organized criminal, was shot dead in the dock of Court Hall No. 05 on February 19th while his case was being heard at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. This incident raised serious issues regarding the court’s security.
As an immediate response, a scanner provided by Police Headquarters was installed near the main entrance of the court. All those entering the court, including lawyers, were being screened by the scanner.
The Bar Association of the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court convened a general meeting yesterday morning to discuss the situation arising from the daily screening of lawyers.
Later that afternoon, a discussion was held under the patronage of the Colombo Chief Magistrate, with the participation of senior police officers, additional magistrates, and lawyers.
“Lawyers feel disrespected by being scanned like ordinary individuals. Therefore, we have expressed our opposition to the scanning. However, the association has agreed to be subjected to scanning devices operated by police officers,” said Senior Attorney Gunaratne Wanninayake, President of the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court Bar Association.
The decision highlights the need to balance security concerns while maintaining the professional dignity of lawyers.
The arrogance of these people is astounding. This is for the general public good but they object because they say it will cast them as “ordinary people”. Self-entitled hypocrites.