Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara says several investigations are underway into the death of a suspect in remand custody, after he was sent to prison over a contempt of court charge.
Speaking in Parliament today, the Justice Minister said the matter has been brought to the attention of the Judicial Service Commission, which is inquiring into this.
He further said a request has also been made from the prison authorities to conduct a probe to ascertain what had happened to the suspect, adding that a final report is yet to be received.
Justice Minister Nanayakkara said he believes an altercation had occurred between the suspect and fellow inmates, but refrained from providing further details as an investigation was underway into the matter.
“I have brought the matter before the Judicial Service Commission, and I believe the Commission will be taking appropriate action in this regard,” he said.
The Justice Minister also acknowledged that a discussion was underway with the BAR Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) on the provisions of the Contempt of Court, Tribunal or Institution Act No. 8 of 2024.
Stating that a committee would be appointed to look into this, he said that with the help of BASL, they will come up with a suitable law.
“I take what happened to the suspect, the imprisonment over a phone ringing in court, is a very serious matter. And that is the area that the Judicial Service Commission is looking into, at the moment,” he said.
The Justice Minister made the remarks in response to questions raised by Opposition MPs about the death of a man at the Angunukolapellessa Prison after being remanded due to his phone ringing during court proceedings.
The individual had reported to the Embilipitiya Court as a surety for a friend. However, during court proceedings, his mobile phone had rung, prompting the judge to charge him with contempt of court.
The individual was sent to the Angunukolapellessa Prison thereafter, but was reported dead within 48 hours of his sentencing. According to a BASL statement, the postmortem examination has indicated injuries sustained due to assault. (Newswire)
