Ranjan apologises ‘profusely’ to CJ, SC ahead of release

• Admits statements about judiciary were false 
• Apologises to CJ and entire judiciary for derogatory and contemptuous statement
• Promises to not make similar remarks in future

Former Minister and Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Ranjan Ramanayake has apologised to the courts through an affidavit on the comments he made about the conduct of judges that led to his incarceration after being found guilty of being in contempt. 

Former Minister and Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Ranjan Ramanayake

Ramanayake filed the affidavit containing his apology before courts yesterday after the Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe recommended his release from prison recently under a Presidential pardon subject to the condition that he expressed his regret over the comments made. 

In the affidavit, Ramanayake apologised to the court with regard to both contempt of court cases filed against him. He said having reflected deeply upon the statement, he admits it was completely and utterly false adding that it was also derogatory and contemptuous in nature to the entire judiciary including the Chief Justice. 

In it Ramanayake requested the forgiveness of the entire judiciary for the comments made by him on 21 August 2017 outside the Temple Trees and said he apologises humbly and profusely without any reservation to the Chief Justice and the judges of the Supreme Court, Appellate courts and others. Ramanayake also admitted he was in the wrong to say on several occasions that he would not withdraw the statement made by him. 

The former MP also assured the courts he would not make similar statements critical or derogatory in nature about the courts in the future. 

Following this submission, it is reported that Ramanayake will be released from the Welikada Prison where he is being housed shortly. Minister Harin Fernando in a tweet said it is likely Ramanayake will be released from prison either today or on Monday. 

Fernando said Ramanayake is being released after a request made by him and Minister Manusha Nanayakkara along with others to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Fernando also thanked Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe for his tireless efforts to ensure Ramanayke’s release.