Dhammika Perera takes legal action against Wimal Weerawansa

The Kaduwela District Court has issued an enjoining order against former Member of Parliament Wimal Weerawansa. This was in relation to Hayleys PLC, one of Sri Lanka's leading business networks.

The order was issued while taking up for hearing a complaint filed by Hayleys PLC regarding false statements made damaging its reputation.

Hayleys PLC, which enjoys high recognition both locally and internationally, is a massive business conglomerate representing various sectors including agriculture, energy, and automotive. They have stated before the court that their institution, governed by a board of directors comprising respected individuals, is highly trusted by the people of this country.

Under such circumstances, the complaint states that Mr. Weerawansa made baseless and defamatory statements against the company on four occasions in February, April, and May of 2026, through social media and a private television channel. It further states that these false statements were made directly and indirectly targeting Hayleys PLC, Kingsbury PLC, the newly added Hayleys Retail, the Jetstar agency, as well as several of its affiliated companies such as its logistics, automotive, and renewable energy divisions, and also its chairpersons.

Given this situation, the plaintiff party also sent a letter of demand to the defendant on a date close to May 25, 2026. Despite this, the company has informed the court that the former MP continued to make defamatory statements by participating in the said television program and even publicly mentioning the names of the company's and its affiliated entities' board members.

Hayleys PLC, pointing out that if these false propagandas continue, the institution will suffer irreparable damage, also requests that the defendant be ordered to pay a compensation of 6 billion rupees for the severe damage caused to its reputation.

After considering all the facts presented, the Kaduwela District Court issued this enjoining order, which prevents the making, re-publishing, publicizing, or communicating of any false, defamatory, or misleading statements concerning the plaintiff.

The relevant case is scheduled to be called again on June 23, 2026. Senior Counsel Nishan Sydney Premaratne, along with attorneys Shenali Dias and Ishara Jayakodithanthri, appeared before the court on behalf of the plaintiff Hayleys PLC, under the instructions of Attorney Chanuka Ekanayake.