Handungoda further prevented from circulating videos on AG Dpt. Officials

• President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne appearing for Handungoda said his client had carried the video segment with the intention of revealing information to the public

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Colombo District Court yesterday further extended its enjoining order against YouTuber Dharshana Handungoda preventing him from further circulating defamatory videos on two officials of the Attorney General’s Department.

 Colombo Chief District Court Judge Purnima Paranagama made this order pursuant to two lawsuits filed by Additional Solicitor General Vikum de Abrew and Senior State Counsel Nayomi Kahavita. This enjoining order will be effective until May 24.  

The plaintiffs, two officers attached to the Attorney General’s Department instituted action in the District Court of Colombo against defendant Dharshana Hadungoda for allegedly defaming the plaintiffs by commenting on their professional conduct in relation to the institution of action in Singapore to recover damages relating to the X-press Pearl incident. In the said video, the defendant had allegedly portrayed the plaintiffs’ conduct relating to the X-Press Pearl incident as corrupt and dishonest officers who had defrauded the state.  

President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne appearing for Handungoda said his client has carried this video segment with the intention of revealing information to the public. He further said his client possesses relevant materials to prove his claims. Gunaratne said his client is expecting to file written objections against the enjoining order on next hearing date.