SC suspends errant lawyer

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the suspension of lawyer W. Wijewardene for seven years, effective from yesterday, September 25, 2020.

The complainant, R. M. Karunaratne Banda of Kahawatta, Ambatenna, paid fees, but the lawyer did not carry out his professional duties.

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka conducted a disciplinary inquiry and submitted the report to the Court. The Supreme Court has referred the matter to the Attorney General, who had drafted a complaint against the respondent lawyer.

The court ordered the lawyer Wijewardena to deposit within one month from yesterday, Rs. 300,000 to the credit of complainant R. M. Karunaratne Banda.

 Dr. Avanthi Perera, senior state Counsel, appeared with Sureka Ahamad state Counsel for the Attorney General. Rohan Sahabandu, President’s Counsel appeared for the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. The respondent lawyer appeared in person.

The bench comprised Justice Vjith K. Malalgoda, Justice S. Thurairajah and Justice Preethi Padman Soorasena.