The letter of demand, sent through Attorney-at-Law Sampath Yalewatta, is based on remarks allegedly made by Padukka at a press conference held on or around 1 February 2026.
During the media briefing, Padukka had claimed that Minister Jayatissa had used a credit card belonging to the owner of a blacklisted pharmaceutical company, and that the card had been used to purchase goods worth around Rs. 1 million in India. He further stated that the Minister should immediately disclose facts regarding the alleged transaction and resign from his position.
Minister Jayatissa, through his legal counsel, has categorically denied the allegations, stating that they are completely false, baseless and maliciously fabricated.
The letter of demand notes that the Minister has never used such a credit card and that the statement was made with the intention of portraying him as corrupt and unfit to hold the office of Health Minister. It further states that the remarks have caused serious damage to his reputation, which he has maintained untarnished throughout his long political career.
Accordingly, Padukka has been instructed to pay Rs. 1 billion in compensation within 14 days from 2 February 2026. The letter warns that failure to do so will result in legal action to recover the amount along with legal interest and court costs.
