The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) alleging an organised campaign of false propaganda targeting the party and its leaders, including National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa.
Announcing the move today (20), SLPP National List MP Pasan Kasturi Fernando said the complaint was filed over “continuous false propaganda” spread mainly on social media platforms against the party, its leader former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and other senior members.
Fernando claimed the online smear campaign had intensified in recent months, coinciding with ongoing police investigations that have led to the arrest of several suspects, including individuals linked to narcotics operations. He alleged that certain groups were attempting to “politicise these investigations” to mislead the public and discredit the party.
Referring to the recent arrest and extradition of Ishara Sewwandi, a woman connected to a criminal case, Fernando said social media narratives were falsely linking her to the SLPP and its leadership. “A certain propaganda is being carried out to make the public feel that the SLPP is a party created for criminal activities,” he said.
He further recalled earlier instances when government MPs had alleged links between drug-related cases and SLPP figures. “After we took legal action, not even a piece of evidence could be found to support those claims,” Fernando remarked.
Accusing organised groups of spreading misinformation through fake social media accounts and funded online campaigns, Fernando said the SLPP expects an impartial CID investigation.
He warned that such “money-driven lies” not only damage the party’s reputation but also erode public trust in democratic institutions. The party, he added, is preparing to launch both civil and political interventions to counter the misinformation and rebuild public confidence.
Fernando also thanked citizens who had volunteered to report false pages and content to the party. “We will join hands with all those fighting this Dharma Yuddha to win the truth and defeat falsehood,” he said.
