Former Power and Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody has issued a Letter of Demand seeking Rs. 500 million in damages from Prasad Siriwardena over allegedly defamatory statements made during a public meeting.
According to the letter sent through Attorney Sampath Yalewatta, Siriwardena had accused the former minister of financial misconduct during a media briefing held on or around March 22.
The letter states that Jayakody, a qualified engineer with more than 30 years of executive experience, has maintained an unblemished professional and political record throughout his career. It further notes that he recently resigned from his ministerial post following allegations related to substandard coal imports in order to facilitate an independent investigation by the Presidential Commission examining the matter.
The attorney claims that the allegations made by Siriwardena are baseless and were intended to damage both Jayakody’s personal reputation and the image of the National People’s Power.
Accordingly, the Letter of Demand seeks compensation of Rs. 500 million and instructs Siriwardena to make the payment within 14 days. It also warns that legal action will be initiated to recover the amount, together with legal interest and court costs, if the payment is not made within the stipulated period.
Jayakody is also currently facing charges filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption in connection with a case dating back to his tenure as a state official.
