20. Offences

Official English translation. Where it differs from the Sinhala or Tamil text, the Act itself says which text prevails.

(1)

If any person –

(a)

wrongfully resists or obstructs any person authorized under this Act in the exercise of the powers conferred on him; or

(b)

wrongfully hinders or obstructs the Office for

Reparations in the exercise and the performance of its powers and functions; or

(c)

willfully provides false information to the

Office for Reparations; or

(d)

discloses any confidential information in contravention of the provisions of this Act, such person shall be guilty of the offence of contempt against the authority of the Office for Reparations.

(2)

Where the Office for Reparations has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has committed the offence of contempt against the authority of the Office for

Reparations, the Office for Reparations shall report such matter to the Court of Appeal. Every offence of contempt committed against the authority of the Office for Reparations shall be punishable by the Court of Appeal as if it was an offence of contempt committed against the Court of Appeal.

Read on from s 21