Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen has claimed Rs One Billion compensation with regard to a statement broadcast on a local TV channel that allegedly damaged his image, reputation and goodwill.

In a letter of demand sent by Minister of Industry and Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons & Cooperative Development Rishad Bathiudeen through the Attorney at Law Shandheepa Gamaathige, Minister Bathiudeen said that a statement by the Secretary of Association of Information Technology Professionals Mr. Lasantha Wickramasinghe, on a prime TV news telecasted on February 6, was false and defamatory.

The Letter of Demand sent by Attorney at Law Shandheepa Gamaathige is reproduced below in full:

“I act for and write on the instructions of my client Hon Minister Rishad Bathiudeen of No 73/1, Galle Road, Colombo 03, the Honorable Minister of Industries and Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons and Co-operative Development of Sri Lanka. I am instructed to state that my client is the leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress a recognized political party and a Cabinet Minister. He is held in high esteem and dignity by the general public and this has been reflected in him being repeatedly elected by the people of the Wanni District as their representative in Parliament. I am instructed that on or around 06/02/2019 in the Hiru TV channel prime news telecasted by you along with Mr. Lasantha Wickramasinghe, the Secretary of Association of Information Technology Professionals on this date which contains the false and defamatory statements.