Activist Kalum Jayasumana released on bail

Political and social activist Kalum Jayasumana, who had been in remand custody over allegations of spreading false information on Facebook about Mahaveeru commemorations in the North, has been released on bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (4).

Jayasumana, who contested the recent Parliamentary Elections representing the National Democratic Front (NDF) from the Kurunegala District, was arrested on Saturday night (Dec. 30).

The Criminal Investigation Department has also arrested three other suspects, aged 28, 35, and 45, from Maradana, Chunnakam, and Baddegama, respectively. They were accused of promoting LTTE Heroes’ Day celebrations by sharing photos and videos of Velupillai Prabhakaran, the leader of the banned LTTE, on Facebook.

The suspects allegedly circulated old videos of LTTE Maaveerar Naal commemorations, falsely claiming they were from this year.

They have been charged under Section 120 of the Penal Code and Section 27 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, accused of inciting public unrest, provoking opposition, and promoting a banned organization through false advertising.