A lawsuit filed by Justice Minister Ali Sabryagainst General Secretary of ‘SinhaleOrganization’ Medille Pagngnaloka Thera has been amicably settled before the Colombo District Court.
The Justice Minister had sought an injunction preventing Medille Pagngnaloka Thera from defaming him in any manner making statements and publishing defamatory article in any forum including Facebook.
When the matter came up before District Court Judge Aruna Aluthge, counsel appeared on behalf of Medille Pagngnaloka Thera informed Court that his client would not to make any further defamatory statements on social media against the Justice Minister.
Through this settlement, it was agreed that the defendant party is liable for contempt of court proceedings if it violates the conditions stipulated in the settlement.
The Plaintiff Ali Sabry PC states that, the defendant in a press conference held on 13th May, 2020 had made certain statements directly naming and identifying and referring to the Plaintiff which was reported in Colombo today news casting website linking to a video on YouTube.
The Plaintiff pleads that the Defendant acted with express malice when he made the said statements.
The Plaintiff further pleads that by reason of the said defamatory statements, ex-facie the Plaintiff suffered grave injury and loss to his good name, reputation, character and credit as an individual, as a professional, as a politician and in society.
The Plaintiff has been brought into and exposed to public contempt, ridicule, humiliation, hatred and odium by the said statements.
The Plaintiff stated that he has suffered loss and damage which he assesses at Rs.500 million.
