Chief Government Whip and Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Prasanna Ranatunge, has issued a letter of demand seeking Rs. 200 million in damages from MP Dayasiri Jayasekera for allegedly making defamatory statements. The claim arises from a statement by Jayasekera suggesting that a liquor license was issued to Ranatunge in the name of an excise officer from Makevita, Gampaha.
Attorney Nadeesha Hettiarachchi delivered the demand letter, which threatens legal action to reclaim the money and interest if the compensation is not paid within 14 days.
Hettiarachchi explained that Jayasekera’s remarks, which he made at a public gathering in Matara, Akurassa, were untrue and seriously damaged the Minister’s standing. The media, including newspapers, social media, and TV stations, extensively disseminated these comments.
The lawyer underlined that these accusations might seriously undermine public confidence in Minister Ranatunge, a well-known Cabinet member who was elected to Parliament with a sizable plurality of preferred votes. The letter further claims that the Minister had contacted the Excise Commissioner General for clarification in response to the allegations, and that Commissioner General had verified that Ranatunge had not received any such liquor license, either on his own initiative or otherwise.