Lake House Deputy General Manager Chandana Pushpakumara Bandara files a fundamental rights case in Supreme Court against 11 executives, claiming his transfer was unjust and politically motivated.
A major legal battle has erupted within Sri Lanka’s state-run media establishment as Lake House Deputy General Manager Chandana Pushpakumara Bandara filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court, accusing top officials of violating his constitutional rights through an unfair and punitive transfer.
Bandara, who is also a recognized trade union leader, claims he was abruptly moved from the Lake House head office to the Kelani Weli Angana branch, in what he alleges was a targeted action based on unrealistic and baseless accusations.
The petition, filed by Senior Advocate N.S. Welgama, argues that Bandara, a permanent employee for nearly two decades, was subjected to this transfer in violation of his fundamental rights under the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
The petition further alleges that the transfer was unjustified, causing the petitioner emotional distress, reputational harm, and disruption to his professional life.
Bandara is now seeking a formal declaration from the court that his rights were infringed, along with Rs. 5 million in compensation for the mental and professional harm suffered.
Named as respondents in the case are 11 senior officials of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House), including the Chairman and Managing Director, Editorial Director, Finance Director, Operations Director, Legal Director, and the General Manager.
The case is expected to draw attention to internal governance issues within Lake House and may also reignite broader conversations on the treatment of trade union leaders and whistleblowers in Sri Lanka’s public institutions.
