Former Member of Parliament Harin Fernando has been taken into custody by the Badulla Police following his appearance to provide a statement regarding alleged violations of election laws during the last general election.
The incident stems from a tense situation that unfolded in Badulla on November 11, when police intervened to halt what they deemed to be unauthorized political campaigning involving Fernando and his supporters.
Supporters were reportedly wearing T-shirts displaying the number ’10,’ reminiscent of the iconic jersey worn by international football star Lionel Messi. Authorities, in coordination with Election Commission officials, deemed this an indirect method of campaigning. The police subsequently instructed the supporters to remove the T-shirts, citing a breach of election regulations.
