The verdict given to him by court is totaly political avenge for his past action only. the contempt of court is punishable but not like to hard core criminals. The same time I think the freedom of speach is going to be under the dark curtain of Democracy.
Mohammad Sarook,Dammam,Saudi Arabia

It is a good decission. Other politecians who set bad examples to the public also should be braught to the coarts and punished. They become hearos and our uneducated people cheer the instead of kicking them out. UNP also has no right to protest againt the court desission.
Channa Semage, Malmo, Sweden

It's a court decision.Why should a court decision be politicised. We feel he got what he deserves.
Karu, Auckland, New Zealand

This could be a sweet political revenge by the President as some says. However I think SB deserves it. Any one says this is against democracy should remember how SB organized polls rigging first for PA and then for UNP(UNF). Ironically Victor Ivan's "Ravaya" published detailed article about SB's polls rigging in Hanguranketha 2 years ago. And this is also a powerful lesson to his unruly sons (incl. Mahinda Wijesekara's, Mervins Silva's etc) who I would like to see behind the bars.
Ajith Dharmakeerthi, Enfield, UK

Judgement against S.B. is wrong. He is a political prisnor and, It seems, that the court of law is now acting on behalf of the president and not on behalf of the law.
Tikiri Herath, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka

This is one of the best decisions taken by the sri lankan supreme court in the history. Not only SB many other currupted members like A.Ratwatte, Mahinda wijesekara, Ranil wickremasinghe etc has to be enforced the same law in front of the public.
Para Wijewardena, Bremen, Germany

This is a very unfortunate thing happened as it is very clear that the decision was given by chandrika to take the revenge. If two years rigorous imprisonment can be given for a speech criticizing the court, then what should be the punishment given for other people who is doing murders, drug trafficing and corruption.
Saman, Melbourne, Australia

There is no difference between a terrorist leader and so called ``Democratically elected leader``, in view of the way they go about silencing and carrying out act of revenge on political opponents, particularly those considered to be a direct threat to their leadership.
Royston Fernando, Berlin, Germany

This is a good lesson to all the politicians who have drainage mouths.(kaanu katawal)Not only S.B. there are few more in the both sides(government and the opposition)who deserves the same type of punishment.
Kamal Yohan De Silva, Paris, France

Almost all bad practises in politics like corruption,unlawful behavior, thuggery etc.,first introduced to Sri Lankan politics by SLFP/PA or their coallition members. I see this action as a revenge rather than safegaurding Judiciary.
Buddhi Meegasdeniya,Toronto,Canada

Any individual who breaks law should be punished. The reason that I have doubt with this judgement against SB how Anura already knew that SB was about to go to prison? the current Chandrika goverment is behaving as if it has always been a whiter than white.
Anil Kumarasinghe, London, UK

This is good thing to happen at both the ends. If this an independant decision made by the Supreme Court, it is good since it ensures the Sri Lankan Court system still has elements not corrupted by politics. If this decision has made under the influence of the Ruling Alliance, it is good because they have to expect the same once back in the opposition and therefore would avoid criticising the court. Finally, whatever the real reasons behind the scene is, this is good because SB is in jail.

Anuradha Munasinghe, Melbourne, Australia

Good lesson for all ill disciplined Sri Lankan politicians!

Varuni Gunasekara, USA

There is a no freedom for speech in Sri Lanka under Chandrika's goverment.

Nimal Gangaera, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Good, good, we need this kind of desicions.

Indika, Hiroshima, Japan

Most of the comments are in favour of the supreme court desision.but i would like to ask one question from them are they thinking the remaining politicians are saints in front of courts? so now in srilanka there are two restricted catergories we cannot freely express our views.first is the executive president and others are judges.do this restrictions are in line with international human right conventions?please clarify if i am wrong.in near future all the ministers and mp's will get this immunity.

Rohan Dalpadadu, Dubai, UAE

The Supreme Courts decision on SB is a victory for Sri Lankan people. Hopefully the dignity of the Court will be restored.

Dular Niyangoda,Colombo, Sri Lanka

Its quite good decision but the problem is he was in the oposition party, and he is not the only one who deserves this, every one knows who are the others but unfortunately they have got the supernatural powers untill topple this government.

Thushara Dassanayake, Enfield, UK

There are few things in Sri Lanka still we can proudly talk about. One thing is the impartial court decisions like this regardless of politics.

Jinna, Canada

A statement or action by a king or a premier or politician at a so-called Vap Magula has never been taken seriouly so far as history would show. In 1977 PM JR Jayawardene's agriculture minister was seen pushing the plough wearing shoes and socks to avoid the mud. They were all rather unexpected occurances which the people simply forgot with a laugh. Only those residents in Habaraduwa had the ingenuity to make a big issue out of SB's funny statement.

Ashoka Weerakkody, Pannipitiya, Sri Lanka

SB is in jail and that's fine as he broke the law. How about other politicians who have done worse and enjoy roaming freely? This makes me sick of Sri Lankan politics and the so-called "LAW". This incident has given one more reason for the international community to laugh at us Sri Lankans. Treat offenders impartially!

Priyanke Madawela, Kandy, Sri Lanka

SB certainly deserves a punishment but not for attacking the Supreme Court but for Bribery and Corruption.

M Rifai, Colombo

SriLankan politics & the law makers are a joke today. SB was only 1 out of 100 who was given this judgement. What about the other politicians, top businessmen, law makers who have abused/miss used power? Have these people been brough to justice ? Yes, but then let lose. What happened to the cases where politicians, top businesmen involved for murder? Where is the Law? Do we have educated politicians today ? Its sad to see whats going on in SriLanka.Its time for UNP & SLFP to unite and make SriLanka a better place to live.

Shennal Angunawela, UAE

There should be no pardon for SB. The leaders should respect the law and order of the country. Thank to Supremme Court for using due powers.

Kandayya Rasalingam, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

It is a good action. Good lesson to politicians of all parties. Always the politicians are the people set bad examples to the public. Suppreme Court should have a backbone to punnish anybody without looking at the status specially politicians, who are there to make the country better. The general public also should regect this type of third class politicians instead of chearing. My salute to the civilians who made the complain agaist SB.

Janaka, Stockholm, Sweden

Politicians like S B Dissanayaka must learn a lesson.Very impresive decision made by Supreme Court.

Ravi Wijesinghe, Hounslow, UK

SB Deserves more than that. I would give him more than 10 years of fun in jail.

Indika Fernando, London, UK

This is totally a political revange of the PA government. How did Anura come to know the verdict before he was sentanced ? Many previous PA MPs have critically spoken similally during UNP regime, specialy during the impeachment against President Premadasa in 1992. We know that lots of JVP members who are in the parliment are responsible for various criminal charges ( Vijaya Kumarathunga , Premakeerthi Alwis etc). Is Chandrika going to punih them also? Is JVP and others agianst the freedem of specch ?

Saman Kalupahana, Stockholm, Sweden

Among all corrupted politicians in Sri lanka I rate SB as No 1.

Mazloom Mohamed, Male, Maldives

Whether it is UNP or SLFP politicians think that people are fools. Person like Mahinda Wijesekara reject the Supreme Court judgement saying that it is SB's nature and shoul be pardoned.

Nihal Jayasinghe, Muscat, Oman

I am happy to say that the suppreme court of Sri Lanka has made a Good Judgment. Though S.B is a Member of the Law making body (legislator) he cant go above the law.If he does he should Punished.

Shashimal Dissanayake, Hatfield, UK

Don't look through a Blue, Green or Red glasses. This is civilised era and everyone must be obliged to the law where they are live. If someone try to challenge the law in front of a gallery to gain cheap popularity he must be paid for it. Law should be challenged at the proper place but not the public gallery. If parliment can differ Supreme Court's decisions I cant imagine future of that society.

Sam Gunaratna, Auckland, New Zealand

If this has been done by the president or government, i think this is the only good thing they they have ever done during their period of power.

Gamini Goonewardena, Dubai, UAE

Where is the common sense of the people Ranil W now says that jail sentence imposed on SBD is a threat to democracy. This so-called father of democracy, some time back insisted that [when SB was in the PA] SBD should be given the maximum punishment for contempt of court. True that self-centred corrupt politicians make such utterances for their own survival. What is difficult to comprehend is that the low level of common sense in the people who still worship this politico-cheats.

Nagananda Kodituwakku, London

These polititians eat the poor people's money & enjoy themselves. This was a good decision. What we lack in Sri Lanka is the descipline. Expecting to see more polititians in jail for corupption case.

Susantha Kumara, Kuwait

SB may have violated the law of the country by insulting the Supreme Court, but it doesnt mean what he said is not true. People have reasons to see this as an act of political revenge. Especially when considering the resent past of Sri Lankan judicial system and controversial appointments of key personnel in Supreme Court. The judicial system acted very fast regarding the case of SB. However it is very unfortunate that such haste is not shown regarding other more important cases.

Janaka, Manchester, UK

I hope it will be a very good lesson for all our politicians who don't have any respect for the Judiciary System,Supreme Court or Judges.They think the law is in their hands.Specially,SB might have been more carefull about his mouth ,being the National Organizer of the UNP.And the politicians must use their mouths really very carefully,being the role models for the people of the country.And I hope the Supreme Court will send the other corrupt politicians to jail,soon.And about the DEATH PENALTY, I think it would not have been stopped.It really would bring the crime rate in SL down.

Uditha Dias, Tokyo, Japan

Contempt of court is not a matter of joke. All civilized Sri Lankans must stand together to protect the law. If any legislator goes above the law he or she must be punished. How can you expect that normal citizen to obey the law, if our legislators go above the law? The killing of High Court judge Ambepitiya was the result of this type of behavior. Obeying the Supreme Court order and respecting the law can mobilize more voters than protesting against the Supreme Court verdict.

Upali Sirimalwatta, Vienna, Austria

I think while he deserves a jail term for corruption, along with a lot of politicians from all the parties, it is not a good thing when judges jail people just for criticizing them as is the case here. That distinction should be made by when discussing this.

Suranga Fernando, Ekala, Sri Lanka

People who speak in support of SB should be stonned to death if they are Sri Lankans.

Varuni Wickramasinghe, Brisbane, Australia

I am happy the suppreme court of Sri Lanka has taken a strong action agaist at least one strong joker. The problem of Sri Lanka is lack of law and order. We have to start by correcting the kings. While this much of problems are there in the country to our politecians will go behind this silly issue. People should make complains agaist other politecians who are curropted also and teach good lessons.

Sarath Ranawake, Rome, Italy

I think the sentance is not enough and it should be atleast life in order to prevent future corraption in the country.

Laxman Ratnayake, UK

Thank you very much for Supreme Court. this is totaly reasonable verdict. Not only SB there are other politicians involved in corupption and missusing the public money never mind whether in ruling sector or opposition.They also should be sent to jail.

Janaka Rajapakse, Ishikawa, Japan

A very good decision. What we lack in Sri Lanka is the descipline. Expecting to see more polititians in jail.

Ranjith Balasuriya, Stratford, UK

I am a Tamil from Tamil Nadu, but I was born in Lanka and lived up to 1985 in Nuwara Eliya. I laugh at your countrys present political leader namely Chandrika. I think SB is safe in the prison rest of the country is mad.

Aravind, Madras, India

If President pardoned SB then one day thugs may kill someone and if court funish them their other members may thretten President, like today, to release their mate. It is jungle law and can a country survive like that. My strong opinion is if SB is guilty then he should serve his prison term as others.

Sam Gunaratna, Auckland, New Zealand

This is a glaring example of revenge by the Government headed by Chandrika Kumaratunge. The contempt of Court issue was just an excuse. People who love to enjoy the democracy should protest to these type of things. This is a pure political revenge nothing elese.

Jayantha Siriwardhana, Kobe, Japan

This is totaly political revange.Very unreasonable.How can we believe Sri Lanka justice system.What about Member of parliament Mr. Mervin Silva? He is still free. No action against him.

Chandra Andrahennadi, Auckland, Sri Lanka

It is funny how our locals with foreign addresses justify the judgment against SB. We know who you people are. I cant imagine how those poor chaps drive on those roads with so many potholes. We are glad your fake comments are restricted to just what they are.

Harsha De Silva, Colombo, Sri lanka

If the Supreme Court's decision was an impartial one, then the imprisonment of SB is justified but if we analyse the conduct of most other ministers, we will find that they are doing much more illegal and sickening activities behind our backs but why doesnt the legal system even make an effort to do something about this? Why the double standards Supreme Court?

Anthony Fonseka, Hounslow, UK

Good. Both parties shoud keep on continuesly complaining and sending indeciplined colegues to jail. Then only good leaders will be there to rule the country.

Anwar Mohmood, Copenhagen, Denmark

It is best decission for Sri Lankan notorious polititions. We thank you very much to Sri Lankan judges.

Ajith Dhammika Dekinda, Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka

It is a widely known fact that all politicians abuse their powers for their personel gains.SB Dissanayake was a classic example for that.Sentencing him and depriving of his civic rights is a deterance and a warning for all other politians. The politicians should not think that the law is in their hands when in power.Law must be above all.The politicians should learn to respect the law of the land.then the others below them would automatically follow their leaders.

Sugath Senevirathne, Hounslow, UK

In a way its good that at least one person was held accountable, but there are more serious crimes being commited in broad daylight and this "contempt of court" charge is petty in comparison.The president should focus on developing the country rather than to take political revenge. She should set an example to the parliment, the people and to the whole country....this is like the mother crab telling the children to walk straight, not sideways. this is nothing but for political gain.

Shamil Ranasinghe, USA

If the politicians who came to parliament by the help of thugs and money thinks that they are above the law of the country, this is the best response has been given by Supreme court. Well-done Supreme Court. I hope that now these politicians will behave little bit better.

Chinthaka Hettitantri, USA

Not only SB all the other politicians,departments heads doing corruption should be sent to the prison.Politicians please set examples for the people in Sri Lanka.

Ranasinghe, UK

Thanks to Supreme Court judges justice has been served.

If any one who insult or defame the Supreme Court means he has no respect to the country's legal system and law and order. This is a good lesson to all others. Specially to politicians.

Sarath Jayasiriwardena, Montreal,Canada

This is totally a political revange of the PA government. How did Anura came to know the verdict before he was sentanced.

Many previous PA MPs have critically spoken similally during UNP regime, specialy during the impeachment against President Premadasa in 1992.

Lakmal Kahawela

As Rajitha said, such judgements are not heard of in developed world due to the fact that all people in the developed world has respect for the judiciary.

SB's total lack of regards for law in the country lead to this. I believe this is a good precedent to all the politicians to be within the law similar to that of policians in the developed world.

As an example, the Australian PM was once charged by court for a traffic offence which is unheard of in Sri Lanka.

The best thing that the opposition could do was to take the positive side of this and push for any govt. MPs conviction if any of them have committed similar offences.

Dinesh, Blacktown, Australia

Very unreasonable verdict, since there are creminal freely enjoying at large, and if you ask 10 people, 9 of them will find fault with formar PM Ranil for not taken proper action when the UNP won the election in 2001.

Priyantha Perera, Wattala, Sri Lanka

This not the time to through mud over others and use the temporary power to overpower others we need unity to build our beautiful land but still no any kind of silver lines over our skies.

Saman, UK

Well done! Sovoirnity of Judiciary prooved.Not only SB there are other politicians involved in corupption and missusing the public money never mind whether in ruling sector or opposition.

They also should be sent to jail.

Chandrasiri Wanasinghe, Abu Dhabi, UAE

He should have sent to jail for corruption but not for defaming the court.

It looks like Chandrika is following infamous tactics of her mother in 70s.

Janak Abayakoon, Muscat, Oman

We are verry satisfaied about SB's matter and also we hope hereafter Sri Lankan goverment will go verry honestly.

Ahamed Irshad Mohamed Buhary, Seoul, South Korea

It is good for such a judgements to teach other memebers in parliment, if you are going back to few years back how his act and behiver in front of TV Screen, this is not enough for SB, it had be more tough, how he criticised President few years back.

Gamini Bandula Palliya Guruge, Doha, Quatar

This is a glaring example of revenge by the Government headed by Chandrika Kumaratunge. The contempt of Court issue was just an excuse.

Spencer Anthony, Hemel Hempstead, England

This is President Kuaratunga's personal fury taken through fragile Sri Lankan Law.

Mohan Edirisinghe

Good decision taken by Sri Lankan courts. Its good lesson for other politicians.

Priyan Jayawardena, Gampaha, Sri Lanka

UPFA maiden budget

We appreciate the salary hike for gavenment workers.

But there are many workers in the private sector who faces problems due to high cost of living.

These people also live in Sri Lanka and not another country. It is not reasonable to neglect them and we are strongly object the govenment for doing so.

Amal Perera, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Death penalty

I can only laugh at the people who are against the death penalty.

The root cause for raping and killing is known to everybody.We experienced Rita John's rape and murder, wiping out of an entire family at Hokandura,and numerous others.

Always when there is talk about reinforcing of capital punishment as usual human rights movements and religious dignitories move against the implementation.

Balasubramaniam M., USA

Death penalty is not the solution- Law and order at its any intensity is capable of redressing only the direct violence.

The undue concern on death penalty shows our ignorance on the structural and cultural violence at the base of direct violence.

The peace we are going to achieve only by strengthening law and oder may restrain the release of tensions resulting from social conflict.

So these efforts are probable causes of future violence of greater magnitude.

Turning blind eye to the underline causes and giving disproportional emphasis to measurs on establishment of law and order would assure the society on the abilty of a well functioning law and order to establish peace but which is not the truth in reality.

Shammika Liyange, Department of Peace & Confict studies, University of Troms, Norway.

I think the death penalty will definitely lower the crime rate as most of the crimes are done by people as they know that the result of their crimes will be only 5-6 years in the prison.

With death row as an option anyone will think twice, its common sense.

Anthony Fonseka, Hounslow, UK

Introduction of the death penalty is a very good decision.

Lalith Prelis, Japan

Introduction of the death penalty is even though late a very wise decision.

This will defenitely reduce crime in our country.

Bandhula Perera, Malabe, Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan people take the law for granted, including the narrow minded politicians.

NO wonder there should be a political arm behind the murder of the judge as well.

Implementing capital punishment is one way to stop the rising crime scenes but this should be implemented in public so the criminals know that what they are expecting for.

Geetha, Toronto, Canada

Is Mr. Nimal Punchiheva of NHRC going to take responsiablity for increasing crimes in Sri Lanka?

I'm saying death penalty is a must.

Manoj, Colombo, Sri Lanka

I do not agree with capital punishment for crimes.

What I see in Canada and US about wrongful conviction urge me to oppose this law with corrupt police and government in Sri Lanka.

Is a country calls itself Buddhist trying to bury Buddha's teaching?

In the case of Tamil problem they may use this law to kill Tamils.

Karuval Suntha, Toronto, Canada

Death penalty should be re-implimented with immediate effect.

Ranjan Gunawardana, Kesbewa, Sri Lanka

Imposing of death penalty along with avoiding of delay in legal procedure will certainly reduce the crime rate.

Prasad Fonseka, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

It is tragic that a so-called Sinhala (pure) Buddhist country is following the dictatorship of some Middle-East regimes.

Yet if it can do magic, I favour for a limited period to see the effect.

Jagath De Silva, Maharagama, Sri Lanka

Capital punishment should have been imposed long long ago.

We welcome this move.

Hiran Kulatilaka, Cranebrook, NSW, Australia

I feel ashamed to see all this inhuman incidents happening in Sri Lanka since last few days.

First of all all judges has to take responsibility for all these barberic acts because our judicial system is already not functioning as per the written laws.

In future more judges and security personal might get bad treatments because they are not honest and fair in most of the cases.

Judges should not be political henchmen or their appointees.

Rohan Dalpadadu,Dubai, UAE

We should have implimented the death penalty 100 years ago.

Ravi Peiris, Dubai, UAE

I would like to describe Sri Lanka‘s police as a lisenced under world gang.

I am totally ashamed by the lawlessnes in Sri Lanka.

Mahesh Cooray, Dubai, UAE

At a time when Sri Lanka is dealing with terrorism and under world corruption, it is a very good thing to introduce the death penalty.

Along with terrorism it has become an open sesame for all those corrupted individuals who would do anything for money, to go along and kill.

Introducing the death penalty is best solution in my view as USA has it too. Because of that they don't have so much of corruption.

Malkanthi Munasinha, Ohio, USA

Sri Lanka will definitely see a reduction in crime if death penalty is implemented.

I have lived in Brunei, Singapore and UK in addition to Sri Lanka. But one main problem with Sri Lanka lies with the lawlesness.

Brunei and Singapore have a well defined and proper legal system which might not be accepted by the world but suits their country. This is what we should think as well.

If we know the introduction of death for hideous crimes is suited for our country we should go ahead with it without listening to Toms, Dicks and Harry's from all over the world.

Asela Fonseka, London, UK

I like to convey my deepest sympathy to Judge Ambepitiya's wife & family.

Secondly my hat off to late Judge, of course of his exemplary punishments to wrong doors. If all Judges and legislators are committed to practice the legal system and be justice, crime can be eliminated.

But why this debate on 'death penalty' only after killing a VIP? If politicians obey the law, then crime can be minimal.

If some one speaks out the truth and justice then he is rewarded with 'murder'. That is the ‘civilised’ world we live in.

Now Gerald Perera, who was due to give evidence in court, was murdered. How many killings happened and how many to continue? Please stop all these killings.

Ashok Victoria, Doha, Qatar

There is a drastic increase in crime rate in Sri Lanka in comparison to period prior to 1977.

One main reason is the removal of death penalty.

It had given incentive to murder particularly by organised criminal gangs which of course have the blessings of politicians-both in government and in opposition.

The blessings and the patronage this type of killer groups receive range from politicians at its highest level. Therefore, its obvious that these politicos do not take any sincere attempt to punish the criminal.

Thus it is questionable that the reimplemention of death penaly will give its desired purpose to punish the criminals.

I do agree with Mr. Nimal Punchihewa that"effective measures to reduce crime instead of re-instating capital punishment".However,this type of measures take very longer time to take-off the ground in its reality.

In my opinion, Mr. Nimal Punchihewa's other remarks against death penalty is baseless.

Sidath Balachandra, Brong Ahafo, Ghana

At a time where our country is trying very hard to push the peace process forward and recover from the years of war, implementing such an inhuman penalty on life is absurd.

First of all the corruption within our political and legal system has to be dealt with.

I see the introduction of the death penalty as a direct result of our corrupt Politics and Legal system.

Renuke Wahalatantiri, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Whoever interested about the human rights of convicted murderers should first think about the right to life of the law-abiding citizens.

In Sri Lanka it has come to a stage where life of those engage in serious crimes investigations are at tremendous risk.

Strictly speaking the political leadership who set a bad precedence by harbouring hardcore criminals should be held responsible for the lawlessness in the country.

For instance President JRJ who pardoned and released convicted rapists Gonawala Sunil and current President Kumaratunga who provided a safe haven to the convicted criminal Baddagane Sanjeewa in the President’s Security Division.

It is well known fact that these criminals were directly responsible for series of murders and other serious crimes but it is very unfortunate that self-centred politicians had provided them refuge.

Nagananda Kodituwakku, Former head of the serious fraud investigations -Customs Administration of Sri Lanka

The decision to impose the death penalty is welcome.

The capital punishment is in vogue in USA and most countries.

Chandana Sundarawadu, New York, USA

Miscellaneous

It is sad that the beautiful country of Sri Lanka in turmoil.

It is also true this started not now but way back in 1936 with J R Jayewardene continued by SWRD who did not speak proper Sinhala but jumped the bandwagon to make it within 24 hours as Official Language. He inherited this legacy with Sirimavo and now their daughter.

State sponsored Colonisation was initiated by the so called Father of the Nation fascist D S Senanayake who also disenfranchised the estate workers.

Tamil dominated areas in Eastern Province and part of Northern Province was systematically colonised by successive Sinhalese Governments. Why talk about Palestinians look at your backyard.

I am a Christian and look at this in Christian perspective. I do not have any Language barrier as I could speak all three languages flawlessly.

Soundra Lawrence

I have been listeining BBC Sinhala Service for a while.

I highly value BBC Sinhala service document on the Democracy on November 4, 2004.

I am of the view that democracy directly helps domestic elite in my language political ruling class to seek and consolidate the power. One could note this reality in Sri Lanka, where democrcatic elctoral system largely paved the way ethnic outbidding on the minority Tamils.

It's my view that democarcy breeds instability in the non-Western countries.

Dr. A.R.M. Imtiyaz, visiting scholar
Department of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania