defamatory videos on two AG Dept. Officials Court prevents Handungoda from circulating videos

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Colombo District Court yesterday issued an enjoining  order against YouTuber Dharshana Handungoda preventing him from further  circulating defamatory video 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 10.  

The plaintiffs, two officers attached to the Attorney  General’s Department, instituted action in the District Court of Colombo  against defendant Dharshana Handungoda 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.  
After considering the submissions made by President’s  Counsel Kuvera De Zoysa who appeared on behalf of the plaintiffs, the  Court issued an enjoining order against the defendant preventing him  from further circulating the said defamatory video.  

President’s Counsel Kuvera De Zoysa with Counsel Pasindu  Bandara instructed by Attorney-at-Law Sanjay Fonseka appeared for the  two state officials.