Minister Nalinda sends a letter of demand to Niroshan Padukka, seeking a billion in compensation.

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the current Minister of Health and Mass Media, as well as the Cabinet Media Spokesperson, has sent a letter of demand to former Western Provincial Council member Ajantha Niroshan Padukka, seeking one billion rupees in compensation. This legal action has been taken through lawyer Sampath Yalewatta, claiming that the Minister's reputation was damaged by a statement made targeting him at a recent press conference.

At a press conference held by Mr. Niroshan Padukka on or around February 1st, it was alleged that the Minister had purchased goods worth approximately one million rupees in India using a credit card belonging to the owner of a blacklisted pharmaceutical company. The Minister claims that this public statement was made in a manner that would create a wrong impression among the public and convince them that the matter was true.

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa completely rejects the accusation, emphasizing that he has never used such a credit card. The Minister points out that this statement is baseless and made with malicious intent, an attempt to portray him as corrupt and unfit for ministerial office. He also states that this has caused severe damage to his hitherto unblemished political life and reputation.

The letter of demand, sent on February 2nd, notifies that one billion rupees in compensation must be paid within 14 days to cover the damage caused by the defamatory statement. The letter further emphasizes that if the said amount is not paid within that period, legal action will be pursued.