Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna has taken legal action against Ananda Palitha, a trade union leader affiliated with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, demanding a compensation payment of Rs. 500 million for defamation. The legal notice, sent by Rajakaruna’s attorney Sampath Yalewatte on December 24, 2024, accuses Palitha of making deliberate, planned, and malicious statements that tarnished Rajakaruna’s reputation.
The defamation is said to stem from statements made by Palitha on or around December 13, 2024, regarding Rajakaruna’s conduct and responsibilities as Chairman of the CPC. In his statement, Palitha allegedly made at least eight false claims about Rajakaruna, which have been widely circulated in the media. These included accusations that Rajakaruna is receiving double the salary of his predecessor and that he is collecting two separate allowances from the CPC’s board of directors. Additionally, Palitha allegedly accused Rajakaruna of spending corporate funds in an extravagant and wasteful manner. These claims were broadcast on major television news outlets, published in newspapers, and spread across social media platforms.
The legal notice further states that these false and malicious statements were not only damaging to Rajakaruna’s personal and professional reputation but also caused significant harm to his standing as Chairman of the CPC, a position he has held with great responsibility. The Chairman’s lawyers argue that the spread of such defamatory content has led to a great deal of public humiliation, slander, and ridicule, causing Rajakaruna considerable emotional distress.
In light of this, Rajakaruna is demanding Rs. 500 million in compensation to address the damage caused by these defamatory actions. The legal notice stipulates that Palitha has 14 days from the date of the letter, which was sent on December 24, 2024, to pay the requested compensation. Should Palitha fail to respond within this time frame, the CPC Chairman’s lawyers have stated that they will pursue further legal action, including filing a case in court. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the CPC and trade union leaders, highlighting the potential consequences of defamatory speech and media manipulation within the public sector.
