Police Seek Travel Ban on Lawyer Over Courtroom Misconduct Allegations

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court about alleged disruptive and inappropriate behavior by Attorney-at-Law Gunaratne Wanninayake within the court premises.

Mount Lavinia Police told the court that the President of the Colombo Bar Association had obstructed a police constable on duty and engaged in disorderly conduct, and that he was currently absent from his residence and had left the area. 

Police further stated that despite a notice issued through the Western Province DIG on the 12th, instructing him to appear at the Mount Lavinia Police Headquarters, the suspect had disconnected his phone.

The police requested the court to impose a foreign travel ban on Wanninayake.

Appearing on behalf of Wanninayake, President’s Counsel Anura Meddegoda denied the allegations, stating that his client had not absconded and had already informed the police that he would appear to give a statement after discussions with the Bar Association. 

He described Wanninayake as a lawyer with 35 years of experience, known for speaking out against injustice, and insisted that the police claims were completely false.

Meddegoda argued that there was no need for a travel ban, as his client was fully prepared to cooperate with the investigation.

Police also told the court that Wanninayake’s behavior had become a major topic on social media, raising serious ethical concerns.

However, Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara emphasized that the court had no authority to resolve ethical issues.

Attorney-at-Law M. Samarawickrama, appearing for the aggrieved police constable, said the suspect had used abusive language, bringing disgrace to the legal profession.

Representing the Bar Association, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma acknowledged that the entire incident was regrettable, warning that such events could erode public trust in the judiciary, the legal community, and the police. 

He urged that the matter be resolved through mediation rather than escalation.

The Attorney-at-Law informed the court that the suspect Wanninayake would be produced, and that he would accept the notice.

The prosecution however, requested for an order for the suspect to appear and provide a statement to the police, if he were to accept the notice.

Magistrate Amarasekara, after considering submissions, noted:

"The suspect’s counsel has assured the court that he will appear and cooperate with the investigation. The Deputy Solicitor General representing the Attorney General has not requested any further orders."

The Magistrate ordered the police to submit a progress report on November 17.