Samagi Jana Balawegaya former MP Hirunika Premachandra has publicly apologised to former MP Ashu Marasinghe in court, acknowledging that the December 2023 allegations she made against him over animal abuse were based on doctored video evidence.
“I extended my apologies to Ashu Marasinghe at court over the incorrect statements made, causing severe harm to him. Thereafter, we agreed to a settlement to end the case,” Premachandra told reporters on Tuesday.
The case originated on December 23, 2023, when Adarsha Karadana approached Premachandra at the SJB office claiming Marasinghe had sexually abused her pet dog, presenting a video as evidence. Karadana insisted on a press conference, which was subsequently organised with female members of the Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya, the women’s wing of the SJB.
Premachandra said that following legal proceedings, Marasinghe demonstrated that the evidence presented at the press conference had been fabricated.
“I realised that this woman had acted to take personal vengeance and cause harm to Ashu Marasinghe, and she had utilised us,” she said.
Premachandra said she has since attempted to locate Karadana but has been unable to do so, adding that it is not known whether Karadana remains in the country. The case has now been settled following discussions between the two former MPs.
The episode is a rare formal retraction by a sitting politician of public abuse allegations levelled against a fellow parliamentarian and resolves a more than two-year court matter.
