Controversy due to Gammampila's statement criticizing a court order

Criticism is mounting that a statement made by Mr. Udaya Gammanpila, leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, to the media is contempt of court. Yesterday (2), holding a press conference, Mr. Gammanpila criticized the court order that directed Mr. Suresh Sale to provide the secret passwords of his computer and devices, stating as follows.

“The Fort Magistrate has ordered Mr. Suresh Sale to provide the secret passwords of his mobile phone and computer to the secret police. We respect that court order. However, we do not agree with that court order. Because a principle accepted by the entire universe is that even the court does not have the right to force suspects to assist in an investigation against themselves. Here, Mr. Suresh Sale has four valid reasons not to provide his passwords to the police. The first reason is that, according to the Code of Criminal Procedure, a suspect has no obligation to assist in an investigation against them.

The second reason is that if anyone exerts pressure or coercion on Mr. Suresh Sale to provide the password, such pressure cannot be exerted. Coercion cannot be done. That becomes undue influence. Currently, several Malimawa MPs, including Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Father Cyril Gamini, have been exerting that undue influence through the media. Also, the third reason for not providing the passwords is the presence of sensitive information about his informants on this mobile phone and computer. I saw Father Cyril Gamini also stating that he is now retired and should have handed over intelligence information to the intelligence agency when he retired... That's the extent of what is known. Intelligence information should be handed over. However, when intelligence information is given, details about informants are only with the relevant officer.

Their disclosure is extremely sensitive. The fourth reason why Mr. Sale protects this password, risking his own life, is extremely important. That is the bitter experience of great destruction occurring in our history when intelligence information previously fell into the hands of the secret police. The most socially controversial incident among these was the Millennium City betrayal in 2002. After that great betrayal, our intelligence agencies were scattered. So, in such an unfortunate situation, we believe that Mr. Suresh Sale has valid reasons not to provide his passwords based on these facts. I think that while respecting the court's decision on this matter, but disagreeing with it, Mr. Sale's lawyers will take steps to appeal against this order.”