Deputy Minister of Labor Mahinda Jayasinghe has taken legal action against the spread of false and malicious news about him and his daughter. He lodged a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding a fabricated news story that was circulating, causing significant damage to his reputation and family.
The fake news item falsely alleged that the Deputy Minister had hosted a lavish birthday celebration for his daughter at a prestigious hotel in Colombo. The story was accompanied by photographs of the Deputy Minister and his daughter, and included defamatory and hateful content that further tarnished their image.
In his complaint to the CID, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe clarified the facts surrounding the birthday celebration in question. He stated that the party had been organized by his eldest daughter on April 16, 2023, and took place in the Giriulla area, not in Colombo as falsely claimed. He also provided details about his daughter’s educational background and current employment, emphasizing that she is a graduate of the University of Kelaniya and works in the private sector.
The Deputy Minister expressed deep concern over the severe damage that the false news had caused to his reputation, political career, and the well-being of his family members, particularly his daughter. He stressed the need for a swift and thorough investigation by the CID to identify those responsible for creating and spreading the fake news and to take appropriate legal action against them.
It is worth noting that several other high-ranking officials in the current government have also resorted to filing complaints with the Criminal Investigation Department to address various issues.
These include:
- Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, who filed a complaint regarding the incorrect listing of his name with the title “Dr.” on the Parliament website.
- Minister Sunil Handunnetti, who lodged a complaint concerning a case of financial fraud.
- Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, who filed a complaint regarding a fraudulent passport acquisition.
- Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, who filed a complaint related to a personal matter.
- Minister Wijesiri Basnayake, who filed a complaint regarding an incident at a private garment factory.
- Minister Nilanthi Kottahachchi, who filed a complaint related to a personal matter.
- Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, who filed a complaint regarding a fake news item.
