Police halt Harin’s ‘Messi 10’ campaign in Badulla

November 11, 2024 at 4:08 PM

A tense situation was reported in Badulla after the Police attempted to stop political campaigning by former Minister Harin Fernando’s supporters.

Fernando and his supporters were seen wearing t-shirts similar to the jersey of international footballer Lionel Messi, bearing the number ‘10’.

Police along with Election Commission officials intervened and requested the former ministers supporters to remove the t-shirts, stating that it was deemed an indirect campaigning attempt. 

An argument then ensued, with Harin Fernando and his supporters claiming that the t-shirts were not connected to election campaigning.

However, the Police and Election Commission officials stated that it was deemed a symbolic reference to the former minister’s election candidacy and was deceptive political campaigning. (Newswire)