A formal complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over defamatory content circulating on social media targeting President Anura Dissanayake. The complaint, filed by legal representatives on the President’s instructions, calls for an investigation into a video and related posts with a name of a woman, which are alleged to contain false and baseless claims aimed at tarnishing the President’s reputation.

Describing the material as “fundamental lies” and “unfounded fabrications,” the President’s lawyers stated that the intent behind the content was to damage his character and mislead the public. They emphasised that the individual who initially produced the defamatory material has been identified, and noted that others who further share such content without verifying its authenticity also bear responsibility.

The complaint seeks CID intervention to investigate the relevant social media accounts and digital activities connected to the case. Lawyers added that legal proceedings, including civil action for damages, remain an option depending on the outcome of the CID investigation.

Referencing a prior case involving similar defamatory statements made during an election campaign, the legal team pointed out that the individual responsible in that instance later issued an unconditional public apology after legal action was pursued by Dissanayake—then a Member of Parliament.

They further clarified that, as investigations are ongoing and no legal proceedings have yet commenced, discussions around forgiveness or apologies are currently inappropriate. The immediate focus, they said, is on addressing the harm caused and ensuring accountability for the spread of false information.