Sri Lanka’s Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa has instructed his lawyers to issue letters of demand seeking Rs. 1 billion in damages each from former lawmaker Wimal Weerawansa and TV Swarnavahini, alleging defamation and the dissemination of false information.
In a statement, the Minister’s office said the notices relate to remarks made by Weerawansa at a media briefing held on or around Feb. 6, 2026, where he claimed that Jayatissa had used the credit card of the owner of an unregistered pharmaceutical company to purchase goods worth about Rs. 1 million in India.
The statement described the allegation as entirely false, baseless and malicious, and said it was made with the intention of damaging the Minister’s reputation and undermining public confidence.
According to the Minister’s office, Swarnavahini broadcast the allegation during its prime-time news bulletin at 6.50 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2026, presenting it as a special segment titled “Story of the Day.” The broadcaster is accused of airing the claim without verifying its accuracy with the Minister or providing him an opportunity to respond.
The statement added that the content has since been uploaded and circulated on online platforms and social media, further aggravating the alleged harm to the Minister’s reputation.
As a result, Jayatissa has, through his legal counsel, demanded Rs. 1 billion each in compensation from Weerawansa as well as Ben Holdings (Pvt) Ltd and EAP Broadcasting Company Limited.
The notices warn that legal action will be initiated if the demands are not met, the statement said. (Newswire)