The Supreme Court has moved forward with a Contempt of Court case against former State Intelligence Chief, SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena, for failing to fully pay the Rs. 75 million compensation ordered in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. A seven-member bench, led by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, issued a notice requiring Jayawardena to personally appear on October 7 to explain his non-compliance. This development came after the Attorney General’s office submitted a charge sheet for contempt of court against Jayawardena.

The case is part of the Court's ruling related to 11 fundamental rights petitions filed over the attacks. Both former President Maithripala Sirisena and former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara had already fulfilled their respective compensation payments. Sirisena paid Rs. 100 million by August 16, and Jayasundara completed his payment by August 30. The Court is now addressing Jayawardena’s failure to meet his payment obligations as ordered.

Despite being ordered to pay Rs. 75 million in compensation for the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, former State Intelligence Chief SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena has only paid Rs. 5.1 million by October 8, followed by an additional Rs. 4.9 million, leaving a substantial amount unpaid. The Supreme Court, based on a report from the Office of Reparation, brought a Contempt of Court charge against Jayawardena for failing to comply with the compensation order.

Previously, the court had directed that charges be filed due to his non-compliance, and a disciplinary inquiry led by retired High Court Judge Champa Janaki Rajaratne is underway, with six hearings completed. Jayawardena has been placed on compulsory leave during this process. The inquiry will continue under a new retired judge as Rajaratne has since been appointed Governor.

In contrast, former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and National Intelligence Chief Sisira Mendis have fully paid their compensation, along with other officials like former President Sirisena and ex-IGP Jayasundara. The Office of Reparation has received Rs. 246 million in compensation payments, of which Rs. 62 million has been distributed to Easter attack victims. Meanwhile, around 300 additional lawsuits have been filed by other victims seeking compensation, but many are expected to withdraw after receiving payments.

President’s Counsel Chandaka Jayasundara, representing former State Intelligence Chief SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena, informed the court that his client had paid Rs. 10 million of the Rs. 75 million compensation ordered in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks but was unable to pay the remaining Rs. 65 million due to financial hardship. Jayasundara requested that the court permit the unpaid amount to be deducted from Jayawardena's monthly salary of Rs. 127,000, with Rs. 40,000 potentially being allocated for this purpose.

The defence emphasized that Jayawardena’s inability to fully pay the compensation was not an act of contempt or intentional defiance but was driven by financial incapacity. The defence expressed regret for the situation and assured the court that there was no willful disregard of the order.

In response, the Bench ordered the release of all other respondents who had completed their compensation payments from further involvement in the petitions. Additionally, the court directed the Attorney General to submit a comprehensive report listing the individuals who had received compensation from the Office of Reparation. Based on this information, the court will continue the contempt proceedings against Jayawardena, addressing his outstanding payments.

The court's decision to continue contempt proceedings against SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena underscores the importance of upholding judicial orders, particularly in cases involving compensation for victims. While financial difficulties have been cited by the defence, the legal process will proceed to ensure accountability. The outcome of these proceedings will determine how the unpaid amount is managed, while reaffirming the court's commitment to justice for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.