Tissa seeks additional time to file answers against Harini’s defamatory case

Colombo, June 03 (Daily Mirror) - Samagi Jana Balawegaya National Organiser Tissa Attanayake sought additional time to file answers in connection with a defamation case filed by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya filed the plaint seeking Rs. 100 million in damages from Tissa Attanayake and Asia Broadcasting Corporation (Pvt) Ltd. for allegedly making and publishing a defamatory statement during a 2024 Presidential election rally.

When the case was called before Colombo Additional District Judge Mahesha De Silva, counsel appearing on behalf of Tissa Attanayake moved for additional time to file answers. Accordingly, the defendants were directed to file their answers to the plaint by October 28, 2025. 

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya alleged that on August 19, 2024, the defendant Tissa Attanayake had made a public statement during an SJB Presidential campaign meeting in Mawanella, claiming that an NPP government would halt the Kandy Dalada Perahera and the plaintiff has also made a statement regarding this matter.

Senior Counsel Iranga Perera with Kassala Camer instructed by Sachintha Rodrigo appeared for Tissa Attanayake.