The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to launch an investigation into an incident involving President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to Germany, during which allegedly false and defamatory information was circulated online. The CID has also been instructed to submit a report to the court on the progress of the investigation.
This order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali Jayatunga after reviewing a report filed by the CID concerning the matter.
The investigation was initiated following a formal complaint lodged by G. Subhash Chaminda Roshan, Additional Secretary to the Presidential Secretariat.
According to reports, former Minister Udaya Gammanpila had claimed during a media briefing that he had received information suggesting the President intended to meet with an LTTE leader during his Germany visit.
The CID informed the court that this claim had been widely disseminated through various media platforms and on the internet.
Investigators further stated that the remarks appeared to be intended to discredit and embarrass the President and the government.
Taking these submissions into account, the Magistrate ordered the CID to proceed with a full investigation and to keep the court informed with regular updates on its progress.
