April 19, Colombo (LNW): A television network has acknowledged a significant reporting error concerning the declared assets of Minister K.D. Lalkantha, admitting that earlier figures aired were the result of a miscalculation.
In a formal correction released over the weekend, the channel clarified that it had substantially overstated the value of the minister’s financial holdings. The initial report had suggested that his securities were worth tens of crores of rupees and that his overall assets exceeded Rs. 46 crore.
However, revised figures indicate that the securities amount to just over Rs. 140,000, with the minister’s total declared wealth standing closer to Rs. 8 crore.
The broadcaster stated that the mistake came to light following a legal notice issued by the minister’s legal representatives, who challenged the accuracy of the reported data. In response, the channel conducted a review and issued a public correction, expressing regret for the error and any distress caused.
The controversy stems from a report aired earlier in the week, which allegedly misrepresented details from the minister’s 2025 declaration of assets and liabilities. According to the complaint, the inaccuracies included an exaggerated valuation of shares held under a family member’s name.
Legal sources indicate that the minister has demanded substantial compensation, reportedly amounting to billions of rupees, and has warned of further legal proceedings if the matter is not resolved satisfactorily.