Shantha Bandara seeks 500 million rupees in compensation

Former State Minister Shantha Bandara has filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka seeking 500 million rupees in compensation. Bandara claims the allegations against his son, Anuda Janadith Bandara, have caused severe damage to his personal reputation, his family, and the political party he represents, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.

The claim follows the arrest of Anuda Bandara and five others on July 21 regarding the alleged extortion of 20 million rupees from a Chinese national in the Kollupitiya area. Bandara has characterized the accusations as fabricated propaganda and “character assassination” orchestrated by political rivals.

He highlighted what he described as significant inconsistencies in the police investigation, noting that officers provided conflicting accounts regarding his son’s location during the incident. Bandara stated that the police were unable to substantiate their claims during legal questioning in court. While the suspects were initially remanded, they were later granted bail.