Ranjan's Controversial Recordings : Baddegama Magistrate Dhammika Hemapala interdicted

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Judicial Services Commission this evening confirmed that Baddegama Magistrate Dhammika Hemapala was interdicted for his involvement in the controversial phone recording of MP Ranjan Ramanayake. Accordingly, Chilaw Additional Magistrate Rakitha Abeysinghe was appointed as the Acting Magistrate of Baddegama following the suspension of services of Justice Dhammika Hemapala. The Judicial Services Commission went on to note it made certain recommendations to the President on High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiya as well. This evening, Attorney General Dappula De Livera ordered the Director of the Colombo Crimes Division to record statements from all judges involved in the controversial phone recordings of MP Ranjan Ramanayake, without any delay. Meanwhile, AG De Livera ordered the Director of the Colombo Crimes Division to launch an investigation against Attorney-at-Law Asha Kahawatte, counsel for former Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake, for criticizing the remand order opposite the Magistrate's Official residence and in the presence of the media. State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne, the Co-ordinating Officer to the Attorney General said the order was made as the statement made by the counsel in the presence of the media was a hindrance to the independence of the judiciary and was in contempt of court. Facts will be reported to the Nugegoda Magistrate on the matter. Meanwhile, MP Udaya Gammanpila expressed views in this regard. Gammanpila stated that Gihan Pilapitiya is not involved in this issue and he had informed the Judicial Services Commission about the influence he received in this matter. He added that however, the Judicial Services Commission had not taken up this matter or paid any attention towards it for the past three and a half years meaning that Ranjan Ramanayaka has been operating above the Judicial Services Commission. "In our view, it is the responsibility of the judiciary and legislature, to restore public confidence in the judiciary and to punish those who supported Ranjan Ramanayaka to carry out such activities" he concluded.