Let’s meet in court, JVP tells Rohitha

Vijitha Herath’s allegedly defamatory statement against COPE Chairman

by Saman Indrajith

Former COPE (Committee on Public Enterprises) Chairman Sunil Handunnetti on Saturday said his party was ready to prove in court allegations against incumbent COPE Chairman, Rohitha Abeygunawardena.

Addressing the party’s bhikku wing National Bhikku Front’s district convention in Galle, Handunnetti said that Abeygunawardena had threatened legal action against a statement JVP MP Vijitha Herath had made against him.

“We accept the challenge and dare Abeygunawardena to go before the courts. We will get an opportunity to prove all allegations against him,” Handunnetti said.

Earlier in the day, Abeygunawardena, addressing the media, said he would resort to legal action seeking damages from MP Herath for defaming him. A letter of demand would be sent to Herath within a week, Abeygunawardena said. “There are no complaints against me recorded at police stations. On the other hand, Herath, as we know, has at least one complaint against him,” Abeygunawardena said.