A 47‑year‑old female lawyer was arrested last night at a Ratmalana supermarket while attempting to steal several items, according to the Mount Lavinia Headquarters Police.

According to media reports, the suspect was caught yesterday (18) with 520 grams of chicken, 250 grams of beef, roasted cashew, a toothbrush, and a lunch sheet packet, all valued at Rs. 5,290, hidden inside her handbag. 

CCTV footage had earlier recorded her secretly placing the goods under the guise of shopping, prompting the supermarket to alert police.

Officers acted immediately, and a female police officer checked the suspect’s handbag as she was leaving the premises, recovering the stolen items. 

Investigations further revealed that the same lawyer had stolen fish from the supermarket the previous day (17) in a similar manner.

Although her lawyer’s ID card carried a Pannipitiya address, police confirmed she is a resident of Ratmalana. 

The Mount Lavinia Headquarters Police are continuing investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have sought public assistance to arrest a suspect wanted in connection with the double murder of an attorney‑at‑law and his wife, who were shot dead at the car park of a supermarket in Akuregoda, Talangama, on February 16, 2026.

The Western Province (South) Division Criminal Investigation Unit is conducting investigations into the crime. 

Police said the suspect had acted as the driver of the vehicle used by the gunmen during the attack.

Authorities urged the public to provide any information regarding the suspect to the Director, Western Province (South) Division Crimes – 0718592279 or OIC, Western Province (South) Division Crimes – 0718596065. (Newswire)

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Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that the female lawyer arrested in connection with allegations of aiding and abetting the murder of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’, be remanded until May 7.

The suspect lawyer was produced before the court by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today.

She is accused of providing a copy of the Penal Code to the accused Ishara Sewwandi to conceal and carry the pistol used in the killing.

The lawyer was arrested by the CID on October 28, 2025, in Kadawatha. 

The case relates to the February 19, 2025, shooting inside the Colombo court complex, where ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ was gunned down while appearing for a hearing.

The shooter was apprehended on the same day, while Ishara Sewwandi, accused of smuggling the firearm into the court premises, was later arrested in Nepal after evading authorities. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on Monday (16) ordered that a lawyer practicing in Kekirawa be removed from the roll of attorneys after finding her guilty of violating professional ethics.

The court also convicted the lawyer of contempt of court for violating a previous order issued in relation to the same matter. She was sentenced to one year in prison, which was suspended for five years.

In addition, the court imposed a fine of Rs. 25,000, with a further six-month jail term to be imposed if the fine is not paid.

The order was delivered by Supreme Court Justice Yasantha Kodagoda with the concurrence of Justices Arjuna Obeyesekere and Priyantha Fernando.

The charges were filed by the Attorney General’s Department after the lawyer was accused of removing and damaging two pages of a case file during proceedings at the Kekirawa Magistrate’s Court on July 27, 2023.

The Supreme Court had earlier issued an interim order preventing the lawyer from practicing law until the inquiry into the allegations was concluded.

However, a complaint was later filed alleging that the lawyer had continued to engage in legal practice despite the court order, prompting the Attorney General to file additional charges of contempt of court.

Although the respondent initially pleaded not guilty, she later admitted to the charges during the proceedings.

In its ruling, the three-judge bench said the conduct amounted to a serious violation of the professional ethics expected of attorneys and ordered the Registrar of the Supreme Court to remove her name from the roll of attorneys.

The court also directed that the decision be communicated to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the Kekirawa District Judge.

The court further ordered the respondent to appear before the Police Criminal Records Division to provide fingerprints. (Newswire)

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Police state that the second gunman involved in the Akuregoda murder of a lawyer and his wife was arrested after a team of officers from the Monaragala Police Station apprehended three suspects at an abandoned house in the Nakkala area on Tuesday (24 Feb).

According to the Police, among the arrested suspects was a 39‑year‑old former Navy soldier, who had legally left the service in 2009. The other suspects, aged 27 and 46, are from Ambalangoda and Angoda.

Investigations carried out by the Western Province Southern Crime Division revealed that one of the arrested suspects was the second gunman who, along with another, shot and killed a lawyer and his wife inside their car in Akuregoda, Thalangama, on 13th February.

Following the arrests, the suspects were handed over to the Western Province Southern Crime Division yesterday for further investigations.

The Police said that so far, eight suspects connected to the crime, including both gunmen, have been taken into custody. 

The Western Province Southern Crime Division is continuing investigations. (Newswire)

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The Colombo High Court has ordered the release on bail of a driver who had been in remand custody for nearly a year in connection with the alleged murder of a female lawyer residing in Mirihana.

The order was issued by High Court Judge Lal Bandara yesterday (27) following the review of a bail application submitted by Attorney-at-Law Jayaba Kalupahana on behalf of the suspect.

Accordingly, the suspect was granted a cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and three sureties of Rs. 100,000 each. The judge also prohibited the suspect from travelling abroad without court permission, imposing an overseas travel ban.

As part of the bail conditions, the suspect must report to the Mirihana Police on the last Sunday of every month. The judge further stated that if any of these conditions are violated, the bail will be revoked and the suspect will be remanded again.

The suspect, a resident of Kirinda, Puhulwella, had served as the driver of the deceased lawyer and was remanded following his arrest by Mirihana Police in connection with her murder on September 21, 2024. The victim, a 36-year-old lawyer who had been separated from her spouse, was allegedly killed at her residence.

Attorney Jayaba Kalupahana, appearing for the suspect, informed the court that his client had worked as the victim’s driver for about two years and later developed a romantic relationship with her. The suspect is accused of committing the murder out of rage after the victim attempted to end the relationship.

The attorney further argued that under Section 16 of the Bail Act, the maximum remand period for such an offence is 12 months, and the suspect has already been in custody for 12 months and 2 days, making him eligible for bail.

However, the state counsel strongly opposed the bail request, stating that the Attorney General has decided to file direct indictments against the suspect in the High Court. She argued that releasing the suspect on bail before the indictment could interfere with the proceedings and obstruct justice.

In response, the defence attorney stated that there was no evidence suggesting his client had influenced or threatened any witnesses. He requested that the suspect be released on bail under any suitable conditions.

After considering all submissions, the High Court Judge issued the bail order. (Newswire)

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Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament today that no decision has been taken to remove the car pass stickers provided to doctors and lawyers. 

Addressing the house, Minister Jayatissa said no such decision has been taken by the government, including the Department of Motor Traffic and Police.

He further said the car passes are provided to identify doctors as well as to provide them with easy access to hospitals. 

“The government does not expect to remove any such identification document,” he added. 

The Health Minister made the remarks in response to a question raised by Opposition MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena. (Newswire)

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An eyewitness to the incident involving the alleged altercation between Attorney-at-law Gunaratne Wanninayake and a Police Constable at the Mount Lavinia Court premises recently, claims he is being harassed by the Police. 

Speaking to the media, the eyewitness said he had witnessed the Police official punching the person in the passenger seat of the car, after which the driver had gotten out and confronted the Police officer.

The eyewitness said he had witnessed the entire incident that had occurred around 10.45 am at the Mount Lavinia Court premises on 10th October.

He further said that after having revealed this information, he has been constantly harassed by the Police, with some visiting his residence and others calling his wife and demanding him to report to the Police Station for an inquiry. 

Claiming threats to his life and his family, the eyewitness requested the BAR Association and Human Rights Commission to ensure their safety. 

Watch : https://www.facebook.com/reel/2253685905097323 (Newswire)

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The Police constable accused of allegedly assaulting attorney Gunaratne Wanninayake at the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court premises on October 10 was granted bail today, while the case was referred to a settlement board for further proceedings.

Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara ordered the release of Police Constable Tharinda Dilhara on two surety bonds of Rs. 100,000 each. The court also directed that the matter be referred to the Mediation Board for possible reconciliation between the parties.

Police Inspector H. T. M. Tushara told the court that investigations had not found evidence of a physical assault and that CCTV footage from the courthouse had been requested. However, the court was informed that the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court CCTV system is currently non-functional.

The lawyers representing the aggrieved party informed the court that there are videos where it claimed that suspect accepted he had assaulted the lawyer.

The suspect’s lawyers maintained that the video of the incident circulating on social media could not be taken as conclusive proof, arguing that artificial intelligence tools can manipulate such content.

The constable was earlier remanded until October 13 after being arrested on October 10 over allegations that he assaulted an attorney following an argument related to removing a vehicle from the court premises.

A large number of lawyers from the Colombo and Mount Lavinia Bar Associations were present in court today.

Outside the courthouse, a group of people gathered to welcome the police officer as he was released on bail. (Newswire)

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The Police Constable, who was remanded over allegedly assaulting a lawyer within the Mount Lavinia court premises, received a grand welcome after being granted bail over the incident today. 

The Police Constable was released on two sureties of Rs. 200,000 each after being produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s court today. 

He was arrested and remanded over allegedly assaulting a lawyer during a dispute over moving a vehicle within the Mount Lavinia court premises on Friday (10).

Upon being released on bail, the Police Constable received a grand welcome, with many surrounding his vehicle, yelling congratulations and later carrying him on their shoulders. (Newswire)

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The police officer who was in remand custody over the incident at the Mount Lavinia Court premises has been granted bail today (13).

The Police Constable has been released on two sureties of Rs. 200,000 each after being produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s court today. 

The officer had been arrested following a complaint that he assaulted a lawyer during a dispute over moving a vehicle within the court premises on October 10.

The case, which has drawn wide public attention, has prompted multiple investigations, including a probe by the Police Special Investigation Unit into whether the officers acted appropriately during the incident.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala earlier said that legal action will also be taken against Senior Lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake over his conduct during the incident, describing it as contempt of court. (NewsWire)

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A young lawyer has been reprimanded after attempting to make a video call on behalf of his foreign national client in court custody, appearing before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today.

The Negombo Magistrate issued a stern warning to the lawyer and released him, while also issuing an order prohibiting him from appearing in that particular case or attending court during its proceedings in the future.

This incident occurred in Courtroom No. 02 of the Negombo Magistrate’s Court, during the hearing of a case involving 21-year-old British flight attendant Charlotte May Lee, who was named as a suspect after being arrested at Sri Lanka’s airport with 46.6 kilograms of Kush, the largest quantity ever seized in the airport’s customs history.

It is reported that the lawyer in question had requested permission from prison officers to speak with the detained client, and the officers had observed him activating his mobile phone and placing it inside his court bag.

When officers saw him speaking closely with the detainee, they investigated further and confirmed that a video call was being made. The phone was then confiscated and presented to the Magistrate during the hearing, along with a formal report of the incident.

During the proceedings, the Magistrate warned the lawyer that if this matter were reported to the Supreme Court, his legal license could be revoked.

The Magistrate emphasized that while lawyers are permitted to bring mobile phones into court for official duties, such privileges must not be misused for inappropriate conduct.

Given that this was the lawyer’s first offence, the Magistrate granted leniency but issued an order prohibiting him from appearing in this particular case or attending court during its hearings. The mobile phone was returned following this directive.

Meanwhile, the Magistrate ordered that the British national female suspect remain in remand custody until September 3.

Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old from South London, was arrested by Sri Lanka Customs on May 13 for allegedly attempting to illegally bring narcotics into the country. She was found in possession of a large quantity of drugs.

The former flight attendant denied any knowledge of the drugs in her luggage, claiming that someone else may have placed them there. She has now been in custody for over 90 days. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has ordered the removal of an Attorney-at-Law from office after he was found guilty of having tampered with a case record at the Court of Appeal in 2023, it is reported.

Attorney-at-Law Dharmasiri Karunaratne was reportedly found to have torn two pages from a case record at the record room of the Court of Appeal and was found guilty of deceit and malpractice.

When the case was taken up for hearing yesterday, the Registrar of the Supreme Court was instructed to implement the order of removing the lawyer from the roll of Attorneys-at-Law with immediate effect.

The judgement was delivered by the three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Kumudini Wickremasinghe and Achala Wengappuli.

The court was informed that the Attorney-at-Law had used a false name to gain access to the record room of the Court of Appeal.

The case was filed based on the complaint lodged by the Registrar of the Court of Appeal under several charges. 

Despite the Attorney-at-Law pleading not guilty to the charges, the Supreme Court ruled that he had committed malpractice and was unfit to remain as an Attorney-at-Law. (Newswire)

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A lawyer from Chilaw has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for allegedly sending sexually harassing text messages to a female High Court judge via Facebook Messenger.

According to the Police, the suspect lawyer has sent messages through Messenger that were deemed uncomfortable for the High Court judge.

The 62-year-old lawyer was arrested yesterday (21 May) on the instructions of the Attorney General, after which he was due to be produced in court.

Providing details on the incident, Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said the lawyer had sent various types of messages to the High Court Judge through social media. 

He further said that following the High Court Judge’s complaint, an investigation was initiated by recording the suspect’s statements.

“We sent the investigation file to the Attorney General, who instructed us to take further action against the suspect under Section 345 of the Penal Code, on charges of Sexual Harassment. The suspect was arrested based on this,” the Police Spokesman said. (Newswire)

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The BAR Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly objected to a verbal request made by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) for an attorney-at-law to surrender his mobile phone, following a violent incident involving a former aide to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In a letter addressed to Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, the BASL stated that Attorney-at-Law Dinesh Dodangoda had informed them of the request made by CCD officers after he and his client, Thusitha Hallouwa, a former Director to President Wickremesinghe, were attacked in Colombo.

The incident occurred on May 18 at Dabare Mawatha, Colombo 05, when two unidentified individuals allegedly opened fire at their vehicle, physically assaulted the pair, and fled with a file belonging to Hallouwa. Following the attack, police officers from the CCD had verbally requested Dodangoda to surrender his mobile phone for investigation.

The BASL has taken the position that such a request is unlawful, as the mobile phone of an attorney-at-law, which may contain confidential personal and professional information, cannot be seized without a proper court order.

“The rights of Attorneys-at-Law to engage in their professional work in a free and fair atmosphere are vital for the proper dispensation of justice,” the BASL stated, warning that such actions could interfere with legal protections and professional conduct.

The letter, signed by BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and Secretary Chathura A. Galhena, called on the IGP to look into the matter and ensure that such practices are not repeated. (Newswire)

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Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara and Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera clashed in Parliament today over their respective designations as legal professionals in Sri Lanka. 

Addressing Parliament today, SJB MP Ajith P. Perera claimed that the Justice Minister too has been referred to as Adineethigna (අධිනීතීඥ) professionally.

The MP was responding to an allegation by the Justice Minister that MP Perera was misleading the public by referring to himself as Adineethigna, a title which is no longer used by legal professionals in Sri Lanka. 

Justice Minister Nanayakkara refuted Perera’s claim, stating that he has worked as a state counsel for four years. “I have not brought that title here. I only asked you to present the certificate that qualifies you as Adineethigna (අධිනීතීඥ) as you have used this title in your websites,” Nanayakkara said. 

Citing Act No. 26 of 2023, MP Perera said that there are two categories of lawyers identified, namely Instructing Attorney and Counsel. “Counsel means Adineethigna (අධිනීතීඥ). Don’t you understand Sinhala?” MP Perera questioned.

Perera also alleged that the Justice Minster himself has used the title in his election campaigns. 

Responding to the MP, Justice Minister Nanayakkara clarified that he had only worked as Rajaye Adineethigna (state counsel) and had not used it to mislead voters. 

An argument then ensued between the two Parliamentarians. (Newswire)

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Attorney-at-Law Aruna Laksiri has filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka seeking an order to withhold the Presidential Election.

In his petition, the lawyer requests to withhold the Presidential Election as the 19th Amendment to the Constitution has yet to be properly passed in Parliament. 

Attorney-at-Law Aruna Laksiri has further sought a referendum to properly pass the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. (Newswire)

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A female attorney-at-law has been arrested for chewing and destroying documents related to a case pending before the Kekirawa District Magistrate’s Court, it was reported.

According to Daily Mirror, the lawyer had destroyed two documents that were included in the court registry in relation to a land case.

The Police stated that the female lawyer who was handling the case proceedings had torn off two documents from the file related to the case and had chewed on them inside the court.

Court officials who were on duty at the archives had notified the court registrar after which the lawyer was taken into custody by the Kekirawa Police.

Police officers on court duty had examined the lawyer during which they had found some pieces of the documents she had destroyed by chewing.

The lawyer will be produced before the Kekirawa Magistrate’s Court today (July 28). (NewsWire)

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