Court issues enjoining order against websites, YouTube channels over defamatory statements on Homelands’ Pentara project

The Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order on March 16, 2026, against several websites and YouTube channels alleged to have published false and defamatory statements concerning the Pentara project in Thummulla, developed by the Home Lands group.

By this order, the court has restrained Sirimali Liyanagama from further publishing or disseminating articles and videos containing the alleged defamatory and false statements relating to the Pentara project.

The action has been instituted by Home Lands Property Investments (Pvt.) Ltd in the Colombo District Court, under Case No. DMR 279/26, seeking to prevent the continued publication of statements alleged to be false, defamatory and malicious, concerning the company and project.

It was submitted to the court that all necessary legal approvals and certifications have been duly obtained for the Pentara project, which is valued at over Rs.110 billion. It was further contended that certain parties have engaged in a coordinated campaign of defamatory publications.

The court was also informed that such publications could discourage investors and prospective purchasers, potentially causing significant financial losses and adversely affecting both the construction sector and broader national economy.

In addition, the court issued an interim injunction notice and mandatory injunction notice requested by the plaint.

M.U.M. Ali Sabry, President’s Counsel, together with Attorneys-at-Law Shamith Fernando, Namiq Nafath and Navod Ratnasekara appeared on the instructions of M/s Sudath Perera Associates.