Former Minister Harin Fernando was arrested by the Badulla Police today on charges of violating the Election Laws of the 2024 Parliamentary Election.
During a campaign held in Badulla Town close to the election, the former Parliamentarian had engaged in a heated argument with the Badulla Police, going to the extent of removing his t-shirt.
The Police state that Harin Fernando has been apprehended to record a statement concerning the incident.
On 11 November, a tense situation was reported in Badulla after the Police attempted to stop political campaigning by Harin Fernando’s supporters.
Fernando and his supporters were seen wearing t-shirts similar to the jersey of international footballer Lionel Messi, bearing the number ‘10’.
Police along with Election Commission officials intervened and requested the former minister’s supporters to remove the t-shirts, stating that it was deemed an indirect campaigning attempt.
An argument then ensued, with Harin Fernando and his supporters claiming that the t-shirts were not connected to election campaigning.
However, the Police and Election Commission officials stated that it was deemed a symbolic reference to the former minister’s election candidacy and was deceptive political campaigning. (Newswire)
