The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that it has launched an investigation into six political figures over alleged contempt of court linked to public comments made about former State Intelligence Service Director Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay.
The individuals under investigation include Members of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera, Udaya Gammanpila, and former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, along with Asanka Navaratne, Sugeeshwara Bandara, and Mahinda Pathirana.
CID officials told Magistrate Pasan Amarasena that the group had made statements via electronic media regarding Sallay, who is currently in custody in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
Investigators argued that the remarks may have interfered with judicial proceedings and could potentially undermine public confidence in the justice system.
During Monday’s hearing, the Magistrate directed several state and private television networks—including Rupavahini, ITN, Swarnavahini, Sirasa TV, Hiru TV, Derana TV, Shakthi TV, Wasantham TV, and TNL—to submit unedited footage of the relevant broadcasts to support the investigation.
However, the court declined a request to summon the six individuals at this stage. Magistrate Amarasena noted that any contempt proceedings, if necessary, could be initiated before the Court of Appeal after the CID completes its inquiry.
The case has been scheduled to be taken up again on July 11, when the court will review the progress of the ongoing investigations.
