Supreme Court to Hear Contempt Case Against Former President Maithripala Sirisena
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on the 27th of this month to consider a petition accusing former President Maithripala Sirisena of contempt of court. The petition was initially brought before the Court of Appeal Judge, Shashi Mahendran, today (September 2).
The petitioner, Montagu Sarathchandra, a member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s (SLFP) executive committee, alleges that Mr. Sirisena continued to act as the chairman of the SLFP despite an interim restraining order issued by the Colombo District Court in April. This order specifically barred Mr. Sirisena from serving as the party’s chairman.
During today’s proceedings, President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, representing Mr. Sirisena, informed the court that his client had complied with the court’s order by resigning from the position of SLFP president following the issuance of the interim order. He asserted that Mr. Sirisena had not continued in his role as chairman and therefore did not violate the court’s directive or commit any contempt.
In response, Shanta Jayawardena, the lawyer representing the petitioner, requested more time to verify the facts surrounding the petition. The Court of Appeal then scheduled the next hearing for the 27th of this month to further deliberate on the matter.
The petition has drawn significant attention, given that it involves a former head of state. Mr. Sarathchandra argues that Mr. Sirisena’s alleged actions after the court order represent a clear defiance of the judiciary, warranting appropriate legal consequences.
The upcoming hearing will determine whether Mr. Sirisena will face penalties for the alleged contempt.
