April 05, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued a conditional order preventing eight respondents, including the private secretary of former Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake, from distributing personal photographs, videotapes, or audiotapes related to Ratnayake.
Ratnayake lodged a complaint with the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court through his legal representative under Section 24 of the Online Safety Act No. 09 of 2024.
During the court proceedings, Kalinga Indatissa PC, representing the petitioner, highlighted that despite provisions in the Online Safety Act requiring the appointment of a Commission, no such entity has been established yet. Consequently, the petition was brought before the court to address the matter.
Indatissa emphasized the potential repercussions of such incidents, noting that regardless of Ratnayake’s future political aspirations, anyone could fall victim to such violations. He elaborated on the intimate nature of the relationship between Ratnayake and his former personal secretary, who had access to his internet passwords during her tenure spanning 18 years until May 2023.
The petitioner’s legal team brought to light allegations that the first and second respondents had intentions to share personal photos or videos on social media platforms. Subsequently, a video purportedly containing such material surfaced, prompting the request for legal intervention to prevent further dissemination.
Consequently, the President’s Counsel urged the court to issue a conditional injunction to halt the disclosure of Ratnayake’s personal information by the first and second respondents, seeking legal protection against potential breaches of privacy.
