Alleged defamatory campaign targeting SJB MP Kavinda Jayawardana

By A.J.A. Abeynayake

Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali on Thursday (30) ordered the forensic examination of three mobile phones and a computer belonging to suspects who had allegedly conducted a defamatory campaign, online, targeting Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kavinda Jayawardena. The devices will be sent to the Government Analyst for a detailed report.

The order was issued after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) sought court approval to examine the devices as part of its investigation into a complaint lodged by MP Jayawardena. The MP claimed that some of the content targeting him was sexually explicit and defamatory, causing him insult and psychological distress.

Following the investigation, four suspects were arrested and later released on bail. The suspects—identified as Sahan Fonseka, Arusha Liyanage, Tharaka Wickramasinghe, and Dhanushka—are residents of Mount Lavinia, Ginigathhena, and Attidiya.

According to the CID, the third suspect had managed the social media account through which the defamatory material was shared, while the other suspects were involved in executing the online smear campaign.

This information was revealed during a previous court hearing.

President’s Counsel Nalin Laduwahetty appeared on behalf of MP Jayawardena, while Senior Counsel Ranawaka represented the first and second suspects. The case has been scheduled to be heard again on 31 July.