Contempt of Court against Hirunika fixed for inquiry

• Court directs Hirunika to be present in Court on 4 December

The Court of Appeal, on 11 September 2024, ordered former Member of Parliament Hirunika Premachandra, to appear in person at inquiry into a Contempt of Court petition filed against her by young business leader Hardy Jamaldeen. 

The petition claims that she had committed the offence of Contempt of Court by criticising an order issued by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate during a press conference held on International Women’s Day.

The order was delivered by the Court of Appeal Bench comprising Court of Appeal President Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice Shashi Mahendran. During the hearing, the counsel representing the petitioner informed the Court that he had filed counter-objections against the objections submitted against the petition

When the Court raised concerns regarding Hirunika Premachandra’s absence, her counsel clarified that she did not appear in Court due to a notice issued on the previous hearing date. After considering these facts, the Court of Appeal instructed Hirunika Premachandra to appear in person at the next Court hearing.

The matter was fixed for Inquiry on 4 December 2024.

Nishan Sydney Premathiratne with Gamindu Karunasena, instructed by M/s. Sarravanan Neelakandan Law Associates, appeared on behalf of the Complaining Party.

President’s Counsel Farman Cassim with Vinura Kularatne, instructed by Shayamali Athukorala appeared on behalf of the Respondent Accused.