Sri Lanka’s legal community has strongly condemned YouTuber Sudantha “Sudaa” Thilakasiri for predicting the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, calling his remarks an insult to the judiciary and a threat to democratic institutions.
Sri Lanka’s legal fraternity has condemned recent remarks by YouTuber Sudantha Thilakasiri, popularly known as “Sudaa,” who predicted that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe would be arrested and remanded if he appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department on Friday (22).
Thilakasiri claimed on social media that authorities would be “mandatory” obliged to arrest Wickremesinghe, produce him before court, and remand him for 14 days. He further stated that if this did not happen, he would stop producing his YouTube programmes.
President’s Counsel Ali Sabry described the comments as “deeply troubling,” warning that such reckless statements reflect a dangerous political culture. In a Facebook post, Sabry said, “Such actions reflect a disturbing trend of vindictive and destructive politics which undermines our institutions and our future. This cycle of hatred and retribution must end. Sri Lanka deserves a politics of reason, stability and gratitude to those who have safeguarded the nation.”
Senior Counsel and civil society activist Namal Rajapaksha also condemned the remarks, saying they directly undermine the credibility of Sri Lanka’s legal system. “What he is trying to convey is that he is in the inner circle of decision-makers in this government. Such conduct should be condemned,” Rajapaksha said in an interview.
A senior lawyer, speaking anonymously, noted that Thilakasiri’s comments could amount to contempt of court as they attempt to predetermine judicial outcomes. He compared the remarks to the case of former MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who was found guilty of contempt of court by the Supreme Court for publicly commenting on legal proceedings during the 2018 parliamentary dissolution crisis.
“Similar charges can be framed against such individuals for insulting and damaging the reputation of the judiciary,” the lawyer warned.
The backlash from the legal community highlights growing concern about the influence of social media figures and the dangers of public commentary that undermines judicial independence and the rule of law.
