M.A. Sumanthiran, PC vs Illukpitiyage Srinath Harshadewa Jayasena Illukpitiya, Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – SC Contempt 03/2025-2025

The case between the Petitioner-Complainants and the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration (Accused) addressed contempt of court for willful disobedience of an interim order concerning the reactivation of the E-visa system. The Accused failed to comply with an order to restore the system, claiming impossibility and superior instructions, which evidence contradicted.

The Accused changed a ‘not guilty’ plea to ‘guilty’. It was determined that the Accused’s actions constituted contempt of court. A sentence of two years imprisonment was imposed, accounting for one year already served in remand custody, after consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors. This reaffirmed the principle that court orders must be enforced for the rule of law.

Yasantha Kodagoda, PC, J. – The a