Former Minister Harin Fernando was arrested by the Badulla Police today on charges of having engaged in a procession during the silent period of the 2024 Parliamentary Election.
During the procession 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.
The incident had occurred during the silent period of the 2024 Parliamentary Election, which was held on 14 November 2024. (Islandnews)
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