Former Minister Arrested, Set to Appear in Court for Election Law Violations
A chaotic and contentious scene erupted in Badulla during the recently concluded Sri Lanka General Election, further embroiling former Minister of Sports, Harin Fernando, in controversy. Already mired in political turmoil, Fernando was arrested earlier today and is set to appear before the Badulla Magistrate’s Court as investigations continue. He was summoned to provide a statement regarding his alleged violation of Election Commission laws, adding yet another scandal to his troubled career.
The incident began when Fernando, who had been ousted from parliament, was seen in Badulla wearing an Argentine national football jersey emblazoned with the name “Messi” and the iconic number ’10.’ While it appeared to be a nod to the globally admired footballer Lionel Messi, the symbolism had a political edge. Fernando, contesting under the National Democratic Front (NDF) and listed as number 10 on the ballot, was accused of using the jersey as a covert campaign tactic. Election Commission officials and police intervened, viewing the jersey as an indirect form of political campaigning. Supporters wearing similar jerseys refused to comply, escalating the tension. Video footage, which quickly went viral, captured Fernando defiantly removing the jersey in a thuggish manner, leaving him bare-chested as he walked down the street, creating a tense scene.
This incident comes amid a significant political setback for Fernando. The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka recently upheld the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) decision to expel Fernando and fellow senior politician Manusha Nanayakkara from the party. The SJB Working Committee had made the decision on July 18, 2023, following their suspensions in May 2022. The suspensions were a consequence of Fernando and Nanayakkara’s acceptance of ministerial roles in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government, a move that defied the SJB’s opposition stance.
Fernando had served as Minister of Tourism, Lands & Sports, while Nanayakkara held the position of Minister of Labour & Foreign Employment. Both politicians defended their actions, claiming they were motivated by the national interest and the dire economic crisis facing the country. However, the SJB viewed their decision as a betrayal of party principles, resulting in disciplinary action.
The Supreme Court’s ruling not only validated the SJB’s expulsion of Fernando and Nanayakkara but also led to their automatic disqualification from Parliament, in line with Sri Lankan electoral law. Consequently, they will lose their parliamentary seats and ministerial portfolios.
The Messi jersey incident, paired with Fernando’s expulsion from the SJB and the Supreme Court’s ruling, underscores the turmoil surrounding his political career. As investigations into the election law violation continue, this series of events has highlighted the complex and often contentious interplay between sports imagery, political maneuvering, and questions of loyalty within Sri Lanka’s shifting political landscape.
