Chanimā Wijebandara, who served as the Magistrate of the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court, has been temporarily suspended from her duties with immediate effect. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) also ordered the sealing of her official residence on the 16th of this month.
This action followed a preliminary inquiry conducted by the Judicial Service Commission after receiving several complaints. A few female officials, including the Registrar of the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court, were summoned for the inquiry, which led to this decision.
According to reports, a special investigation was launched into 16 case files that had been brought before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. During the initial inquiry, irregularities were reportedly uncovered, prompting the suspension and sealing of the magistrate’s residence.
Following the JSC’s directive, the Registrar, in the presence of officers from the Kaduwela Police, carried out the sealing of the official residence.
However, the JSC has instructed that Chanimā Wijebandara be allowed to visit the court premises today (19th) to collect her personal belongings, documents, and books. The registrar was further instructed to temporarily lift the seal during her visit and re-seal the residence afterward.
Additionally, the JSC has ordered that full police protection be provided to the residence for 24 hours from the time of sealing. The Commission also intends to present a detailed report either today or tomorrow (20th) regarding the allegations against Chanimā Wijebandara, once the preliminary investigation concludes.
To inform all members about the sealing of the official residence and the allegations faced by the magistrate, the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court Lawyers’ Association has also convened a special meeting.
Recently, the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court has heard several high-profile cases, including the much-discussed Yoshitha Rajapaksa–Daisy Fawcett case and a sexual harassment case involving a female staff member from the Parliamentary housekeeping division.
Chanimā Wijebandara is an experienced magistrate who previously served in several courts, including the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, after beginning her career as a State Counsel at the Attorney General’s Department.
A spokesperson from the investigative division confirmed that the social media rumors claiming an inappropriate incident led to her suspension are false.
