SJB Social Media Activist Released on Bail After Arrest at Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Council

COLOMBO (News 1st); The court today (6) ordered to release on bail Ashan Madhushanka, described as a social media activist affiliated with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), who was arrested on charges of allegedly trespassing into the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council and misusing public property.

Ashan Madhushanka was taken into custody by the Dehiwala Police on allegations of unlawfully entering the municipal council premises and improperly using public resources. 

After being produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court this afternoon on charges of criminal trespass and misuse of public property, he was released on bail on a personal bond of Rs. 100,000.

While the suspect was in police custody, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa visited the Dehiwala Police and strongly condemned the arrest, stating that the individual had acted in defence of the public’s right to information.

According to police complaints, Ashan Madhushanka had entered the opposition councillors’ office at the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, presenting himself as a social media operator for SJB municipal councillor Channa Wikumge. 

It was alleged that he used municipal council facilities including a computer, electricity and a photocopying machine to produce and upload a video to social media platforms.

The complaint was lodged by Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Deputy Mayor Vindana Edirisuriya, who accused the suspect of criminal trespass and misuse of public property.

Police subsequently arrested the suspect following the complaint. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa arrived at the police station earlier today to inquire into the well-being of the detained activist.

Addressing the media, Premadasa said the arrest appeared to violate the suspect’s fundamental rights, stressing that freedom of speech, freedom of expression and the right to information are all basic human rights guaranteed under the Constitution. 

He said Ashan Madhushanka had acted to uphold the public’s right to information involving Sri Lanka’s population of 22 million.

Meanwhile, it was noted that Premadasa’s remarks on the public’s right to information were made in the context of an incident on May 1, when journalists were reportedly denied access to cover a May Day rally organised by his own party.

Following court proceedings this afternoon, Ashan Madhushanka was released on bail.