Activists remanded for leaking phone conversation with Minister Alles, on YouTube

Activists Priyath Nikesala and Shan Ganegoda have been remanded after being produced in Court. They are accused of broadcasting on YouTube a telephone conversation with Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, regarding a murder in Beliatta. The case against them has been postponed to December 11, by Fort Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali.

Shan Ganegoda, the second suspect, who was already in custody on another charge, was produced in Court by prison officials.

Investigations revealed that Priyath Nikesala was arrested in connection with a sum of Rs. 481,500 found in his possession, which was claimed to belong to a foreign national. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) requested Court to release the money to the Kompanna Veediya Police for their ongoing case. The foreign national appeared in Court, and investigations indicated that Shan Ganegoda had stolen foreign currency from this individual and converted it into local currency.

During the Court inquiry, Shan Ganegoda denied ownership of the money. The CID accused Priyath Nikesala of destabilising the country’s political stability by uploading the recorded conversation with the Minister on his YouTube channel via TikTok.

Police informed Court that the conversation was recorded in January 2023 and deliberately uploaded with malicious intent. They emphasised that this premeditated action was intended to incite hatred against the government and the Police, causing significant social unrest. Police claimed that Nikesala’s actions were aimed at creating chaos and inciting rebellion.

Priyath Nikesala, who was initially remanded in custody, has been released on bail but was present in Court for the hearing.

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