Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe has sought a formal clarification and correction from a private television channel over the alleged use of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated photograph concerning him during a television discussion programme.

An official letter dated October 15 has been sent to the television channel, requesting an investigation into the authenticity of the photograph displayed by former Minister Wimal Weerawansa during the programme.

According to a statement issued by the Deputy Minister’s Office, the photograph displayed and discussed by Weerawansa was not an original selfie taken by Abeysinghe but an image allegedly manipulated using AI technology.

The letter warns that presenting an artificially generated image as an authentic photograph could mislead the public and damage an individual’s reputation.

It further raises concerns that the use of such images during discussions involving sensitive ethnic and religious matters could create misunderstandings and potentially fuel racial or religious tensions.

The Deputy Minister’s Office has also questioned whether the programme’s presenter took adequate steps to verify the authenticity and source of the photograph before allowing it to be discussed on air.

Accordingly, the letter requests the television channel to verify the photograph’s authenticity and source, make necessary corrections to the relevant video, issue a clear public correction through the same programme and provide a written explanation of the action taken.

The statement emphasised that the request was not intended to restrict political expression but to ensure accuracy and responsible media practices.

The latest development follows allegations raised by Deputy Minister Abeysinghe against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa over the use of the photograph during the television discussion.

In an earlier social media post, Abeysinghe shared what he described as the original photograph alongside the allegedly AI-manipulated version.

He claimed that the original photograph showed him with an individual identified as Amal, who had helped protect protesters during an attack by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) supporters during the 2022 Aragalaya protest movement.

According to Abeysinghe, Amal was among a small group of individuals who initially confronted the attackers, and the photograph had been taken in recognition of his actions.

However, the Deputy Minister alleged that the original image had subsequently been manipulated using AI technology to portray Amal as a Buddhist monk.

Abeysinghe criticised Weerawansa for allegedly relying on the manipulated image to make political claims during the television programme.

The Deputy Minister’s Office has called on the television channel to take prompt and responsible action to correct any misleading information and safeguard public trust in the media. (Newswire)

The post Deputy Minister seeks correction over alleged AI-generated image shown on TV appeared first on Newswire.

A contempt of court complaint against six individuals, including former MPs Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila and MP Dilith Jayaweera, was taken up before the Court of Appeal today (07).

The complaint had been referred by the Colombo Fort Magistrate, alleging contempt of court by the six individuals.

The matter was taken up before a three-judge Court of Appeal bench comprising President of the Court of Appeal Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justices Chamath Morais and Adithya Patabendige.

During the proceedings, the bench directed the Court Registrar to take the necessary steps to provide relevant documents and information requested by lawyers appearing for the named parties.

The case was ordered to be taken up again on the morning of October 15 to review the progress in providing the documents and information.

The Court of Appeal also scheduled the matter for the afternoon of October 23, when lawyers representing the named parties are expected to make submissions. (Newswire)

The post Contempt case against Wimal, Gammanpila, and Dilith taken up by Court of Appeal appeared first on Newswire.

Wimal Weerawansa has been summoned by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCBI) to provide a statement in connection with an investigation into alleged remarks amounting to contempt of court.

Weerawansa has reportedly been instructed to appear before the Central Crime Investigation Bureau at 10.00 am on Friday to provide the statement.

The investigation was launched following a complaint received by the Inspector General of Police alleging that Weerawansa had made remarks amounting to contempt of court during a meeting organised by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in Anuradhapura.

Based on the complaint, the Central Crime Investigation Bureau commenced an investigation into the incident.

The decision to obtain a statement from Weerawansa comes as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged remarks. (Newswire)

The post Wimal summoned to give statement over contempt of court allegation appeared first on Newswire.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today issued a warrant to arrest and produce before court former Minister and leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF), Wimal Weerawansa, after he failed to appear for proceedings.

Weerawansa had been summoned as a suspect in connection with a 2016 protest staged during the visit of former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Al Hussein to Sri Lanka, where demonstrators obstructed roads around the United Nations office at Thummulla, Colombo.

Due to his absence, Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama ordered the warrant.

A short while later, however, Weerawansa appeared before the court. 

His lawyer, Manjula Pathiraja, explained that his client had been delayed because of a breakdown in his vehicle, preventing him from arriving on time. The lawyer requested that the warrant be recalled.

Chief Magistrate Bodaragama noted that such a request must be made through a formal motion tomorrow, leaving the warrant technically in place until then. (Newswire)

The post Wimal Weerawansa arrives in court after arrest warrant issued appeared first on Newswire.

The Colombo High Court today ordered that the case filed against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption be taken up again for further hearing on September 22.

The case, which alleges that Weerawansa unlawfully acquired assets exceeding Rs. 75 million beyond his lawful income while serving as a minister, was called before High Court Judge Mohomad Mihail.

After reviewing submissions, the Judge directed that the matter be recalled on the 22nd and ordered that summons be issued for witnesses to appear in court on that date.

According to the charges, between 2010 and 2014, Weerawansa is accused of committing an offence under the Bribery Act by amassing assets unlawfully. 

The case was filed during the tenure of the previous “Yahapalana” government. (Newswire)

The post Colombo High Court to re‑hear case against Wimal Weerawansa appeared first on Newswire.

Sarath Weerawansa, the brother of former minister Wimal Weerawansa, has been arrested, the Police said.

According to the Police, he was arrested in connection with the incident of abusing vehicles in the State Engineering Corporation.

Sarath Weerawansa was arrested by the Police Finance Crime Investigation Division today (15). (Newswire)

The post Wimal Weerawansa’s brother arrested over misuse of state vehicles appeared first on Newswire.

The case filed against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa and five others over a 2016 protest opposing the visit of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Al Hussein has been fixed for September 21.

Taken up for hearing today (13), the Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva ordered that the further examination of evidence be taken up in September.

The charges stem from a demonstration held on February 6, 2016, when Weerawansa and his group staged a protest in front of the UN office in Colombo, blocking roads including Thummulla. 

The Cinnamon Gardens Police subsequently filed the case, citing public inconvenience caused by the protest.

The accused in the case are former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, Weerakumara Dissanayake, Jayantha Samaraweera, Roger Seneviratne, and Piyasiri Wijenayake.

Court records show that Weerawansa was not present today, with his lawyer submitting a medical report on his behalf.

The case will be recalled on September 21 for further proceedings. (Newswire)

The post UN Office protest case against Wimal Weerawansa fixed for September appeared first on Newswire.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today that an investigation has been initiated against six individuals, including former ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila and current MP Dilith Jayaweera, over alleged contempt of court.

CID officers told court the inquiry was launched into statements made via electronic media that were said to obstruct ongoing investigations into former Director of the State Intelligence Service, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, and to be contemptuous of judicial proceedings.

The probe covers remarks made by MP Dilith Jayaweera, former MPs Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and Asanka Navarathna, as well as Sugeeshwara Bandara and Mahinda Pathirana.

The CID requested that notices be issued summoning the six individuals to appear before court on July 1. 

However, the Magistrate ruled that such notices were unnecessary, noting that charges under the Contempt of Court Act No. 8 of 2024 must be pursued before the Court of Appeal rather than the Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

The post CID launches probe into contempt of court allegations against Dilith, Wimal, and Gammanpila appeared first on Newswire.

The ‘Satyagraha’ held opposite the Fort Railway Station in support of former State Intelligence Service Director Major General (Rtd) Suresh Sallay was called off today.

Former Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said the decision was taken after the Fort Magistrate’s Court appointed a five-member panel of judicial psychiatrists to determine whether Sallay had been subjected to torture while in detention.

The protest, launched by supporters of the former intelligence chief, had continued for several days despite adverse weather conditions.

According to reports, the panel was appointed following a court order to assess allegations relating to Sallay’s treatment while in custody.

Sallay is currently being held in remand custody as investigations continue. (Newswire)

The post Sallay supporters end Satyagraha after court move on torture allegations appeared first on Newswire.

Several opposition political parties began a satyagraha in Colombo on Monday (08), protesting what they describe as inhumane harassment against former State Intelligence Service Chief Major General Suresh Sallay. 

The demonstration, attended by former minister Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, is being staged at the Fort Railway Station premises.

Organizers of the satyagraha state that the protest will continue until authorities address concerns over Sallay’s treatment, calling on supporters to join in solidarity. 

Sallay was recently taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks. He is currently being held under a detention order.

Sallay was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital last night (07) after developing a sudden illness while in custody. (Newswire)

The post Satyagraha launched against detention of Ex‑Intelligence Chief Suresh Sallay appeared first on Newswire.

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been granted bail by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court.

Weerawansa was arrested this morning after arriving at the Thalangama Police Station to record a statement.

Earlier, Police confirmed that summons were issued to Weerawansa to appear before the Thalangama Police today, after he had failed to appear yesterday, over allegations of obstructing police duties at the National War Memorial in Battaramulla.

On May 18, a tense situation was reported in Battaramulla between the Police and a group led by former MP Wimal Weerawansa after they attempted to enter the National War Memorial during rehearsals for the Victory Day commemoration event.

Following the incident, the Police said legal action will be initiated against the group, including Wimal Weerawansa, for obstructing rehearsal activities and obstructing duties of officials present at the site. (Newswire)

The post War memorial incident: Wimal Weerawansa granted bail appeared first on Newswire.

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been arrested after arriving at the Thalangama Police Station to record a statement.

In a post on social media, Weerawansa claimed that he has been arrested by a special Police Team. 

Earlier, the Police confirmed that summons were issued to Weerawansa to appear before the Thalangama Police today, after he had failed to appear yesterday.

It is reported that Weerawansa has appeared to record a statement over allegations of disrupting activities at the National War Memorial in Battaramulla. 

On May 18, a tense situation was reported in Battaramulla between the Police and a group led by former MP Wimal Weerawansa after they attempted to enter the National War Memorial during rehearsals for the Victory Day commemoration event.  

Following the incident, the Police said legal action will be initiated against the group, including Wimal Weerawansa, for obstructing rehearsal activities and interfering with the duties of officials present at the site. (Newswire)

The post War memorial incident : Wimal Weerawansa arrested appeared first on Newswire.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today ordered that further examination of evidence in the case against six accused, including former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, be taken up on July 13. 

The case relates to allegations of causing public inconvenience by obstructing the road during a protest held in front of the United Nations office in Colombo in 2016.

The matter was heard before Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama. Court officials noted that witnesses were not present during today’s proceedings, prompting the adjournment.

The charges stem from a demonstration staged on February 6, 2016, coinciding with the visit of then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Al Hussein. Protesters allegedly blocked the road outside the UN office at Thummulla, Colombo, leading to public disruption.

Kurunduwatta Police filed the case against Weerawansa and five others under provisions of the Road Ordinance and the Police Ordinance.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 13, when further evidence will be examined. (Newswire)

The post UN Office protest : Court sets July hearing for Wimal Weerawansa appeared first on Newswire.

The commemoration ceremony to honour the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, traditionally held 40 days after death, was held in Colombo on Thursday (09).

The ceremony was held at the Iranian Cultural Centre in Colombo under the patronage of the Ambassador of Iran, Alireza Delkosh. 

Several Sri Lankan dignitaries, including politician Wimal Weerawansa, attended the event. 

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei served as the second supreme leader of Iran from 1989 until his assassination in 2026, which triggered the war between Iran, the USA, and Israel. (Newswire)

The post 40-day commemoration for late Iranian Supreme Leader held in Colombo appeared first on Newswire.

Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa has filed a lawsuit in the Colombo District Court seeking Rs. 1 billion in compensation from National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa and a private television channel. 

According to reports, the case was lodged on March 3, following allegations made against Minister Jayatissa.

The lawsuit stems from a statement made by Weerawansa at a recent public rally, where he claimed that Minister Jayatissa had purchased goods using a credit card belonging to an unregistered pharmaceutical company. 

The allegation was later shared via Weerawansa’s Facebook account and given prominence in the main news broadcast of the private channel on February 7, 2026.

Minister Jayatissa argues that the remarks were defamatory, both directly and indirectly, and have damaged his reputation.

He has requested the court to order the defendants, jointly or separately, to pay the compensation for the defamatory statements. (Newswire)

The post Health Minister seeks Rs. 1 billion in defamation case against Wimal appeared first on Newswire.

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa says attempts are underway to arrest former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa next.

Weerawansa said that Gotabaya Rajapaksa is to be arrested following the arrest of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay. 

“Their next target is Gotabaya Rajapaksa, using the arrest of Suresh Sallay. This is just nonsense. Will someone like Easter attacks mastermind Zahran Hashim sacrifice his life to make Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is known as a staunch Sinhala Buddhist mas, as the President? What is this nonsense?” Weerawansa questioned.

He further accused the government of appeasing the Tamil diaspora while shielding the real perpetrators of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. 

“Sallay is accused of maintaining links with Zahran. Yes, intelligence officers engage not only with Zahrans and Prabhakarans, but with everyone. Remember, it was the intelligence unit that began monitoring Zahran as soon as information about extremist activity came to light. What is happening now is a major betrayal. This is aimed at appeasing the Tamil diaspora while shielding the real perpetrators of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks,” he alleged. 

Wimal Weerawansa made the remarks while speaking at a media briefing held today (27 Feb) at the National Freedom Front head office under the title “What Did Sallay Do?”. (Newswire)

“They have now decided to arrest Gotabaya Rajapaksa next,” Wimal Weerawansa claims that moves are underway to detain former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa following the arrest of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay. He described the development as a major betrayal and alleged… pic.twitter.com/atvzmq4hGA

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) February 27, 2026

The post ‘After Sallay, Gotabaya is next’ – Wimal appeared first on Newswire.

Former minister Wimal Weerawansa has made a controversial disclosure concerning the death of former politician Nandana Gunathilaka, revealing details of a letter Gunathilaka had shared before his passing. 

Addressing the media at Gunathilaka’s funeral, Weerawansa said the late politician had shown him a letter sent to an international organisation, outlining what action should be taken in relation to it. He added that Gunathilaka had also sent him a WhatsApp message.

Quoting from the letter, Weerawansa said: “The fake, deceitful, anti-democratic conduct and false morality of the internal JVP mechanism were exposed by Rajapaksa Priyanjith Witharana and myself over the past year. Because of this, there is an active plot to kill us, with groups of assassins currently targeting us. We have information on all the individuals involved and the methods planned. The selected course of action is to stab us in broad daylight with a sharp weapon and portray it as the result of a personal dispute, to be validated through the NPP police. Several methods have also been identified to present the death as natural, including poisoning, staging motor accidents, or portraying it as a serious dispute among underworld rivals, particularly an underworld shooting.”

Weerawansa added that, having spent considerable time within the JVP himself, he had no reason to doubt the contents of the letter. (Newswire)

The post Murder plot: Wimal stirs controversy at Nandana Gunathilaka’s funeral appeared first on Newswire.

The Colombo High Court has withdrawn the warrant issued against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa today, following his appearance in court.

The Colombo High Court today issued a warrant ordering the arrest and production before the court of Weerawansa after he failed to appear in court over a case filed on allegations of illegally amassing assets worth more than Rs. 75 million.

Wimal Weerawansa is named as the defendant in the case filed by the Bribery Commission. 

Issuing the warrant previously, Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail also directed that notices be issued to the defendant’s bail guarantors, requiring them to appear before the court on the next date. (Newswire)

The post Court withdraws warrant against Wimal appeared first on Newswire.

The Colombo High Court has issued a warrant ordering the arrest and production before the court of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa.

The order has been issued after he failed to appear in court in a case filed over allegations of illegally amassing assets worth more than Rs. 75 million.

Wimal Weerawansa is named as the defendant in the case filed by the Bribery Commission. 

Issuing the warrant, Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail also directed that notices be issued to the defendant’s bail guarantors, requiring them to appear before the court on the next date. (Newswire)

The post Arrest warrant issued for Wimal Weerawansa appeared first on Newswire.

The satyagraha campaign launched by National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa, together with representatives of civil organizations, has now been concluded.

Following the government’s announcement that the new education reforms related to Grade 6 will be postponed until next year, former minister Wimal Weerawansa ended the satyagraha.

The satyagraha, which began yesterday, was staged demanding the immediate withdrawal of the new education reform process and calling for Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to resign from her post as Minister of Education. (Newswire)

The post Wimal calls off Satyagraha campaign appeared first on Newswire.