Southern Province Fisheries Minister DV Upul filed a case with Colombo District Court against Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake, claiming Rs 500 million as damages for allegedly defamatory statements made by the latter.

Upul informed court that Ramanayake had made a claim that he obtained a loan of Rs 76 million from Lankaputhra Development Bank in a fraudulent manner.

Ramanayake had made this claim during a press conference on February 20, 2016, Upul further informed court.

He also said that this statement had damaged his good name and reputation and requested the court to order Ramanayake pay Rs 500 million as compensation.