The Election Commission has instructed the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police overseeing elections to arrest individuals linked to a controversial YouTube video on the channel “Talk with Sudatta Tamathi.” The channel is allegedly connected to a relative of a prominent presidential candidate.
The Election Commission’s Colombo District Election Dispute Resolution Center sent a letter to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, outlining complaints of political bias and voter intimidation through the content aired on the channel. The video reportedly includes hate speech and threatening remarks towards voters, violating election laws.
Sudatta Thilakasiri, a TV drama director and alleged computer crime dramatist, is among those facing arrest for inciting hate speech. The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is also conducting a swift investigation into the case, as the complaints suggest that death threats were made through the statements broadcast on the platform.
This move comes as part of the Election Commission’s broader efforts to ensure fair conduct in the upcoming presidential election, tightening regulations and taking decisive action against any attempts to undermine the electoral process.