November 20, Colombo (LNW):Former Minister Harin Fernando was arrested today by Badulla Police on charges of violating election laws during the 2024 Parliamentary Election.
The arrest stems from an incident during a campaign event in Badulla Town, where Fernando reportedly engaged in a heated argument with police and controversially removed his t-shirt. Police claim he was apprehended to record a statement regarding the altercation.
The incident dates back to November 11, when tensions arose after police and Election Commission officials intervened to halt political activities by Fernando’s supporters. The supporters were reportedly wearing t-shirts resembling the jersey of footballer Lionel Messi, bearing the number ’10,’ which authorities deemed an indirect method of election campaigning.
Despite Fernando and his supporters asserting that the t-shirts were unrelated to electioneering, officials argued that they symbolically referenced his candidacy, constituting deceptive campaign tactics. The altercation occurred during the mandatory silent period preceding the election held on November 14.
Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with further statements being recorded from those involved.
