Legal Storm Deepens: Senior Lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake Faces Mounting Pressure Over Mount Lavinia Court Incident
Colombo, October 12, 2025 —
Sri Lanka’s legal community has been shaken by a fast-developing controversy surrounding senior lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake, who is now facing possible arrest, disciplinary review, and widespread public condemnation following the release of CCTV footage that allegedly shows him verbally abusing and threatening a police officer at the Mount Lavinia Court premises.
The footage, which quickly went viral on social media, depicts a heated confrontation between Wanninayake — a prominent figure in Colombo’s legal circles — and a uniformed police officer. The incident, initially dismissed by some as a misunderstanding, has now evolved into a national debate about privilege, professionalism, and accountability in Sri Lanka’s legal and judicial institutions.
The Incident That Sparked a Firestorm
According to police reports, the confrontation unfolded on October 10, 2025, when a lawyer attempted to drive his car out of the Mount Lavinia Court complex. An argument broke out with a police officer stationed at the entrance, allegedly escalating into a brief physical altercation. The officer was later arrested and remanded for assault pending further inquiry.
However, the story took a dramatic turn when new CCTV footage surfaced showing another lawyer — identified as Gunaratne Wanninayake — approaching and threatening the same police officer. In the video, Wanninayake can be seen gesturing aggressively and speaking in a raised voice while surrounded by several bystanders within the courthouse compound.
The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, triggering outrage among citizens who accused the lawyer of misusing his professional status to intimidate a public servant performing his duties.
Police Move to Take Action
The Mount Lavinia Police have since launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, confirming that the video has been included as key evidence in the case file.
Police sources revealed that officers from the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) visited Wanninayake’s residence in Boralesgamuwa to arrest him under charges of verbal abuse, criminal intimidation, and obstruction of a police officer under the Penal Code.
However, Wanninayake was reportedly not at home at the time of the police visit. Authorities have since issued a formal summons requesting him to present himself for questioning.
A senior police official told reporters that the investigation is being carried out “without bias or favour” and that both the lawyer and the police officer will be treated equally under the law.
“We are dealing with two separate but related matters — the alleged assault by the officer, and the subsequent threats made by a lawyer. Both incidents are under review,” said a spokesperson for the Mount Lavinia Division.
Lawyer Consults the Bar Association
According to sources close to the legal community, Wanninayake has communicated that he will provide a statement only after consulting with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).
Legal observers note that the BASL’s position will be crucial in determining whether the incident is handled internally through disciplinary channels or escalated through criminal proceedings.
While the BASL has not yet issued an official statement, several senior attorneys have privately expressed concern over the reputational damage caused by the viral video.
A retired magistrate told Lion’s Roar News that “the profession must uphold dignity, not destroy it.”
“If the Bar remains silent when one of its senior members threatens a police officer inside a court, it sends a terrible message to the public,” he said. “Disciplinary standards cannot be selective.”
Government and Judicial Response
The Government of Sri Lanka has indicated that strong action will follow once the inquiry is complete. Justice Ministry officials have confirmed that the Attorney General’s Department has been consulted to ensure due process and fairness in both cases — the alleged police assault and the lawyer’s misconduct.
In parallel, the Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate has ordered a comprehensive review of the CCTV footage to ensure transparency in the investigation.
Legal experts say that if the footage is deemed authentic and unaltered, it could form the basis for charges of contempt of court or obstruction of a public officer — both serious offenses that could result in fines, suspension, or imprisonment.
Public Outrage and Erosion of Trust
Public reaction to the incident has been swift and fierce. Thousands of Sri Lankans took to Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube to voice anger at what they perceive as elitist arrogance within the legal system.
Many citizens questioned why professionals — especially lawyers who are meant to defend the law — often behave as though they are above it.
“Ordinary citizens are punished for the smallest misstep, but when someone powerful breaks the law, there’s always hesitation,” wrote one commenter on social media.
“This is not justice; this is privilege.”
Civil society organizations have also condemned the incident as a reflection of deep-rooted institutional arrogance.
The Centre for Public Accountability, an advocacy group based in Colombo, issued a statement urging the BASL and judiciary to “lead by example” and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
“The courts are not battlegrounds for ego. If senior lawyers threaten law enforcement officers, it undermines every value the legal profession stands for,” the statement read.
Parallel Investigation into Police Conduct
Interestingly, the original dispute that triggered the altercation — involving the alleged assault by the police officer — is still under review. The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has been tasked with examining whether the officer acted unlawfully or in self-defense during the initial confrontation.
The Attorney General’s Department is expected to represent the police officer in upcoming hearings, ensuring that both sides of the incident are evaluated fairly.
This dual investigation — into both the officer and the lawyer — underscores the government’s attempt to balance justice and prevent accusations of bias.
A Crisis of Credibility for the Legal Community
For many observers, the Wanninayake case is more than a single disciplinary issue — it symbolizes a larger crisis of credibility within Sri Lanka’s legal establishment.
Repeated incidents of unprofessional conduct, elitist behaviour, and internal protectionism have gradually eroded public trust in the bar and judiciary.
Prominent legal scholar Dr. Hemantha Perera told Lion’s Roar News that the Bar Association must act decisively if it wants to preserve its moral authority.
“The law cannot protect its own when they break it,” Dr. Perera said.
“Every lawyer takes an oath to uphold justice, not to weaponize privilege. If the BASL fails to enforce accountability, the public will lose faith completely.”
Conclusion: A Test of Integrity
As of now, Gunaratne Wanninayake remains under investigation, with possible arrest and disciplinary action pending.
Police have reaffirmed their commitment to an impartial inquiry, while civic groups continue to demand that the rule of law be applied equally, regardless of rank or profession.
The outcome of this case could mark a turning point for Sri Lanka’s legal culture — a moment to decide whether power still outweighs principle.
In a nation yearning for transparency and justice, the Mount Lavinia Court incident stands as both a scandal and an opportunity: a chance to restore integrity in one of the country’s most vital institutions.
© Lion’s Roar News — 2025.
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