Lawyers practicing at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court have decided, effective from yesterday (20th), to refrain from passing through the security scanner installed at the courthouse entrance.
Despite this decision, they have agreed to undergo security checks conducted by police officers stationed at the court complex entrance, using handheld devices designed to detect weapons and explosives.
This resolution was reached following a special discussion held yesterday afternoon (20th), attended by all additional magistrates of the court, senior police officials—including Deputy Inspector General of Police Udith Liyanage—and representatives of the legal fraternity, including Senior Attorney Gunaratne Wanninayake, President of the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court Bar Association.
The meeting took place in the official chambers of the Colombo Chief Magistrate. The security measures at the courthouse were heightened following the fatal shooting of Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa—an alleged organized criminal—inside Court Hall No. 05 on February 19. In response to the incident, a security scanner, provided by Police Headquarters, was installed at the main entrance of the courthouse as an initial security measure. Since then, all individuals entering the premises, including lawyers, had been required to undergo screening.
However, the Bar Association of the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court convened a general meeting yesterday morning to discuss concerns arising from the daily scanning of lawyers. Subsequently, in the afternoon, a discussion was held under the patronage of the Colombo Chief Magistrate, with the participation of senior police officers, additional magistrates, and lawyers, to review the situation and communicate the decisions made.
“Lawyers are being subjected to scanner checks for allegedly assaulting someone inside the court, which is a clear sign of disrespect. We strongly oppose this practice,” stated Senior Advocate Gunaratne Wanninayake, President of the Bar Association of the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. “However, the association has agreed to undergo security screening by police officers using handheld examination equipment.”
This decision marks a compromise between ensuring security at the courthouse and addressing the concerns raised by the legal community.
