Adambarage Desmond Chathuranga De Alwis-Respondent… – CA/COC/06/2020-2024

Brief
In the case of the State (Attorney General) v. Adambarage Desmond Chathuranga De Alwis, the court addressed the issue of whether publication of a defamatory and malicious article on lankanewsweb.org, containing allegations of bribery against members of the Court of Appeal, constituted contempt of court. It was held that such publication, supported by evidence including investigative reports and witness testimony, did amount to contempt as it interfered with the administration of justice and undermined the integrity of the judiciary. The findings established that the Respondent intentionally evaded court proceedings and that the evidence proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The judgment reaffirms the principle that safeguarding the dignity and authority of the courts is paramou