Ministers and MPs of the ruling party have become frequent visitors to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and police to report offences allegedly targeting them. Among those filing complaints were four ministers and two MPs, citing various instances of defamation, identity fraud, and misinformation campaigns.
Dr. Harsha Nanayakkara’s “Doctor” Title Controversy
Parliamentary communications revealed that the title “Dr.” had mistakenly appeared next to the name of Minister Harsha Nanayakkara on the parliamentary website. The error was later corrected, and the parliamentary communications division issued a statement acknowledging it as a clerical mistake.
Despite the correction, Minister Nanayakkara lodged a complaint with the CID to investigate the issue, expressing concerns about potential malicious intent to damage his reputation or undermine his political credibility. Speaking to the media, he stated:
“I have never used the title ‘Dr.’ in any official capacity or documentation. It’s reasonable to suspect a deliberate attempt to defame me or tarnish trust in my political endeavours.”
Fraud Allegations Involving Minister Sunil Handunnetti’s Name
On December 24, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, reported to the CID that individuals impersonating him or his associates were soliciting funds from overseas Sri Lankans under the guise of charitable activities.
Minister Handunnetti urged the public to report any information about such scams and stated:
“These financial crimes are nothing new, but using my name to execute them crosses a line. I am determined to take action.”
Passport Fraud Implicating Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala’s Identity
Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Sunil Watagala, reported a shocking incident where an individual posing as an official used his name to facilitate the creation of 17 fraudulent passports.
“On my first day assuming duties, someone misled me, claiming to be an official. I later discovered they had exploited my name to manufacture fake passports,” the minister recounted during a televised interview.
The suspect has been arrested, and the minister has requested swift legal action.
Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne Files Complaint Against Online Defamation
MP Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne took to social media to confirm filing a CID complaint over defamatory Facebook posts and news articles. She stated:
“If attempts to deter women from politics through such lowly tactics continue, our response is simple—try harder. No malicious campaign can undermine a government born out of collective strength.”
MP Wijesiri Basnayake Confronts Protestors
MP Wijesiri Basnayake of the Kurunegala District lodged a police complaint regarding a confrontation that occurred after he attended a private garment factory meeting in Bingiriya-Wilattawa. Videos circulating online show protestors aggressively surrounding his vehicle. Police confirmed the arrest of one suspect and ongoing investigations to apprehend others involved.
MP Nilanthie Kottahachchi Reports Cyber Harassment
On December 31, MP Nilanthie Kottahachchi’s legal representative filed a complaint with the CID’s cybercrime unit regarding an obscene and defamatory Facebook post targeting her.
“The post falsely accused the MP of inappropriate conduct with political activists. Such baseless attacks aim to discredit her reputation,” said her attorney.
A Pointer
All these incidents point towards the challenges faced by the newly elected politicians . The CID and police are actively investigating these complaints, reflecting the complex challenges government officials face in safeguarding their reputations and ensuring accountability amidst heightened political tensions.
