The Kaduwela District Court has issued an injunction against former Member of Parliament Wimal Weerawansa following an application filed by Hayleys PLC alleging defamation.
Accordingly, the court has restrained Weerawansa from making, publishing, advertising, communicating to the public, or otherwise disseminating any false, misleading, or defamatory statements regarding Hayleys PLC.
In its complaint, Hayleys PLC stated that it is one of Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerates, enjoying a strong reputation both locally and internationally. The company noted that its Board of Directors comprises respected individuals and that Hayleys has become a household name in Sri Lanka, with operations spanning numerous sectors including automotive, power, agriculture, logistics, retail, and renewable energy.
The company alleged that during February, April, and May 2026, it was directly and/or indirectly referred to in a defamatory, false, and baseless manner through social media platforms and a programme aired on a private television channel. The statements reportedly targeted Hayleys PLC, Kingsbury PLC, Hayleys’ automotive division, its Jetstar agency, its logistics subsidiary, its renewable energy subsidiaries, and its recently rebranded supermarket chain, Hayleys Retail.
According to the complaint, Hayleys PLC sent a letter of demand to Weerawansa on or about 25 May 2026. However, despite receiving the letter, he allegedly continued making defamatory statements during a television programme, specifically identifying and referring to members of the boards of directors of Hayleys PLC and its subsidiary companies.
The company argued that unless the court intervened to prevent the further dissemination of such statements, it would suffer irreparable harm and damage to its reputation. In addition to the injunction, Hayleys PLC is seeking cumulative damages amounting to Rs. 6 billion.
After considering the submissions made by the plaintiff, the court granted the injunction. The matter is scheduled to be taken up again before the court on 23 June 2026.
Attorney Nishan Premathirathna, together with Shenali Dias and Ishara Jayakodyarachchi, appeared for the plaintiff on the instructions of Attorney Chanuka Ekanayake.
