Rishad’s request for interim order against Wimal and media institutions rejected

The Colombo District Court today (October 07) rejected the enjoining order issued against Minister Wimal Weerawansa and three media institutions to refrain from making defamatory comments against MP Rishad Bathiudeen.

In addition, the application submitted by the parliamentarian, seeking an interim order against Minister Weerawansa as well as Derana, Hiru and Swarnavahini media networks for allegedly defaming him was rejected by Colombo District Judge Aruna Aluthge.

The case was then scheduled to be taken up again on the 24th of January.

MP Bathiudeen had filed a case against Minister Wimal Weerawansa, claiming that he was libeled in a speech titled ‘Muslim Extremism and Easter Attack Commission’ delivered by the minister on March 09 in the area of Thimbirigasyaya.

In his complaint, the former minister alleged that parts of the speech which contain defamatory comments that are prejudicial to him were broadcast by Derana, Hiru and Swarnavahini media institutions.

Through his attorneys, Bathiudeen had sought an enjoining order preventing the respondents from making ‘false and defamatory’ comments against him and Rs 100 million as compensation.

Attorney-at-Law Manoj Bandara appeared on behalf of Derana media network, on the directives of Attorney-at-Law Sudath Perera.