Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali has issued a conditional restraining order against Pradeep Charles, President of the United National Self-Employed Workers’ Association and former member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), along with YouTubers Nadeesha Amaranath and Thushara Sewwandi.
The order was issued following a complaint filed by Member of Parliament Mujibur Rahman under Section 24 of the Online Safety Act. In his complaint, MP Rahman alleged that the individuals continued to publish defamatory content targeting him, despite a previous court ruling delivered in his favor.
The restraining order prohibits the three respondents from publishing or distributing the alleged defamatory material until further notice. The court has summoned all parties to appear before it on June 27 for further proceedings.
The case highlights growing concerns over online defamation and the enforcement of digital content regulations under Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Act.
