Suspect who impersonated film director to collect nude photos ordered to apologise

By Bhagya Silva

A 26 year old suspect who had allegedly impersonated film director Somaratne Dissanayake to collect nude photographs of women under the pretense of offering acting roles in films was released on bail with the court directing him to apologise to the director both in court and publicly through the media.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga granted bail to the suspect, Isuru Madhumal from the Polgahawela area.

The case was filed following a complaint by director Somaratne Dissanayake to the Cyber Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). 

According to the complaint, an unidentified individual had created a fake Facebook account using the director’s name and photo to contact women, requesting nude photos while claiming to be casting for movie roles.

Appearing for the suspect, his counsel stated that he expressed readiness to admit to the alleged offenses and conveyed his willingness to apologise for the defamation and humiliation caused to the director, with the apology expected to be made through public media.

Counsel Manoj Gamage, appearing on behalf of Somaratne Dissanayake, informed court that although the incident had caused significant damage to his client’s reputation, Dissanayake was prepared to accept the suspect’s apology and therefore did not seek any monetary compensation. Considering that the incident had also affected a large number of young women.

The counsel further requested that the court direct the suspect to apologise both in court and publicly through the media.

According to the case details, the suspect had contacted women aged between 20 and 35 from various parts of the country, pretending to be director Somaratne Dissanayake and promising acting roles in films in order to obtain their nude images.