Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake has pleaded not guilty regarding his contempt of court charges at the Supreme Court today (08).
Reportedly, the Supreme Court has decided to take up the next hearing of the case on the 5th of September.
The charge sheet was taken up before a judge bench comprising Chief Justice Priyasad Dep and Justice Nalin Perera and Justice Prasanna Jayawardena.
Respondent Ramanayake informed the court through his lawyers that he does not accept the allegations against him.
However, the court decided to hear the charge sheet and ordered to present witnesses regarding the incident on September 5th.
Two petitions were filed against the Deputy Minister by Sinhala Ravaya and retired Air Force Officer Sunil Perera alleging that the Deputy Minister vehemently insulted the reputation of the judiciary and lawyers at a press conference held on August 21.
The petitions highlighted the fact that such defamatory statements will shatter public confidence and provide a warped image of the judiciary to the people of Sri Lanka.
