A group of representatives from the New People’s Front (NPF) has lodged a complaint with the Judicial Service Commission, alleging that Parliamentarian and attorney-at-law Lakmali Hemachandra made remarks amounting to contempt of court.
According to the complaint, the remarks were made during a recent Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Development Committee meeting. The issue arose when a local representative requested the suspension of an eviction order against a group of unauthorized residents living on land belonging to the Road Development Authority in Narahenpita.
Hemachandra had reportedly responded that the earlier agreement was not to implement the court order, citing that the residents had no alternative housing, and reminded attendees that they had previously agreed not to proceed with enforcement.
Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala, who was present, clarified that the government could not interfere with judicial proceedings and that any assistance to affected families would have to align with government policy.
Following the incident, New People’s Front Kolonnawa Organizer Ajith Pushpakumara, local representatives Jayasingha and Nalaka Bandara, and Ratmalana Division Organizer Saman Ranatunga submitted a written complaint to the Judicial Service Commission Secretary requesting immediate action.
The New People’s Front officials said the party expects disciplinary measures, including the suspension of Hemachandra’s legal license, claiming that her conduct undermines the independence of the judiciary.
They further recalled that former MPs S.B. Dissanayake and Ranjan Ramanayake had been jailed for contempt of court, stating that “the same standard must apply to all.”
Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, however, told reporters that Hemachandra’s comments appeared to be “administrative in nature” rather than an attack on the judiciary.
The Judicial Service Commission has yet to announce if it will take action on the complaint. (Newswire)