Former State Minister Shantha Bandara has lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), seeking Rs. 500 million in compensation for what he described as severe damage to his reputation and that of his family and political party.
Addressing the media, Bandara said the allegations surrounding his son’s alleged involvement in a cash robbery were fabricated and sensationalized “like a movie.”
He claimed the police investigation was riddled with inconsistencies, pointing out that officers gave conflicting accounts of his son’s whereabouts, first saying he was within 500 metres of the crime scene, then shifting to Narahenpita, and later Rajagiriya.
Bandara stressed that the judiciary had independently examined the matter and that police were unable to substantiate their claims when questioned by his lawyers.
He accused political opponents of targeting his minor son as a means of attacking him, adding that the ordeal had caused immense harm to his family.
“This is character assassination, which is a crime,” Bandara said, vowing to reveal in detail why he believes his family was singled out.
His comments come in connection to the incident where his son, Anuda Bandara, along with five others, was arrested and remanded on July 21 in connection with the alleged robbery of Rs. 20 million from a Chinese national in Colpetty. (Newswire)