Colombo District Judge Mahesha de Silva yesterday (21) directed the respondent to file their response by June 3rd in the defamation case filed by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. The case pertains to allegations regarding statements about the Sri Dalada Maligawa Perahera potentially being stopped under a National People’s Power government.
During the hearing at the Colombo District Court, the respondent’s legal team requested additional time to submit their response, which was granted, setting the deadline for June 3rd.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya filed the case, claiming that former MP Tissa Attanayake made false and malicious statements during a meeting in Mawanella on August 19th, held in support of Sajith Premadasa during the last presidential election.
The plaintiff further stated in court that the Media chanel, named as the second respondent, aired the incident as the lead story in its main news bulletin and later featured it on the newspaper headlines program.
The lawsuit seeks Rs. 100 million in compensation from both the respondent and a private media channel for broadcasting a defamatory statement that allegedly harmed Dr. Amarasuriya’s reputation as a respected university lecturer and political activist.
