12 March, 2010 - Published 14:05 GMT

Sunday Leader in 'contempt of court'

The Supreme Court in Sri Lanka has issued notice to the editor of a pro-opposition English weekly to explain the reasons for publishing an article regarded as contempt of court.

Frederica Jansz, the editor of Sunday Leader, is accused by the Supreme Court on contempt of court by publishing an allegedly defamatory article referring to acting Chief Justice, Dr. Shirani Bandaranaike.

Ms. Jansz is ordered to appear before the court on Monday to explain her actions.

'Unconstitutional' detention

Meanwhile, the Appeals Court has accepted a petition against Sri Lanka army (SLA) authorities for continuously detaining former military commander, Gen Sarath Fonseka.

Anoma Fonseka in her petition requests the court to order the SLA to provide her husband before courts.

She argues that the authorities are violating the constitution, as well as their fundamental rights, by keeping her husband in detention without charging and producing him before courts for more than a month.

Gen Fonseka was arrested by the military on 08 February.

Commander of the SLA and other officials are named as respondents.