A high-stakes legal battle erupts as Minister Lalkantha demands massive compensation and threatens to revoke a major broadcaster’s license over alleged false reporting.
Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Cabinet Minister K.D. Lalkantha has filed a writ of mandamus against Hiru TV and Asia Broadcasting Corporation, seeking compensation amounting to Rs 1 billion in a major legal escalation over alleged media misrepresentation.
Attorney-at-law Buddhika Wijesuriya, who is representing the Minister, has stated in the writ application that Hiru TV broadcast misleading and inaccurate information regarding his client’s assets and liabilities declaration, thereby spreading false and malicious news content.
According to legal submissions, on April 16, 2026, Hiru News aired a report claiming that Minister Lalkantha possessed assets exceeding Rs 460 million. However, it is alleged that shares owned by the Minister’s daughter, valued at approximately Rs 143,000, were deliberately misrepresented as securities worth over Rs 383,906,705.40, significantly distorting the facts.
The writ further highlights that the media institution failed to seek any clarification or response from the Minister before publishing and broadcasting the report. The lawyer stressed that the circulation of such inaccurate information through digital media platforms, accompanied by attention-grabbing headlines and the Minister’s image, has caused serious damage to his political credibility and professional reputation.
The application also notes that concerns have been raised regarding the misuse of public broadcasting frequencies by the channel for what are described as narrow political purposes. As a result, steps are expected to be taken to present these concerns before the relevant regulatory authorities with a view to potentially canceling the broadcaster’s license.
Attorney-at-law Buddhika Wijesuriya, appearing on behalf of Minister Lalkantha, further stated that legal proceedings will be initiated if the demanded compensation is not settled within a period of seven days, signaling an intensifying dispute between the government and the media institution.
