Sri Lanka’s Mount Lavinia Court saga deepens as Senior Attorney Gunaratne Wanninayake faces contempt of court charges and a possible arrest. Police and the Attorney General’s Department are now entangled in a legal and political showdown that could reshape public trust in the justice system.
Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has announced that strict legal action will be taken against Senior Attorney Gunaratne Wanninayake for his behavior at the Mount Lavinia Court premises, describing it as contempt of court. The decision has triggered a dramatic escalation in the ongoing standoff between law enforcement and sections of the legal profession.
Police officers attempted to arrest Attorney Wanninayake at his residence yesterday, but he was not at home when they arrived. According to media reports, Wanninayake has stated that he will respond only after receiving instructions from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, signaling that the legal community is closely monitoring the unfolding case.
At the same time, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya confirmed that the Attorney General’s Department has been consulted and a government lawyer will appear in defense of the police constable now remanded in custody for allegedly assaulting a lawyer at the Mount Lavinia Court. The IGP stressed that legal support will be provided to ensure fair representation, while the Police Special Investigation Unit investigates whether officers acted properly during the confrontation.
The Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate has also ordered the review of CCTV footage as part of the inquiry into the incident, which took place on October 10. The clash reportedly erupted over the movement of a vehicle within the court premises, leading to accusations that a police officer physically assaulted a lawyer. The constable was subsequently arrested and remanded until October 13.
Parallel to this, police have launched an investigation into allegations that Senior Attorney Wanninayake threatened the officer and obstructed him from performing his duty. Officers went to Wanninayake’s house yesterday afternoon in an attempt to arrest him, but he could not be located at the time. Authorities say evidence will be presented in court to prove that the lawyer’s actions amounted to contempt.
The Mount Lavinia court controversy has now become more than a legal dispute. It is shaping into a test of judicial authority, professional conduct, and the balance of power between Sri Lanka’s police and legal community.
