Nimal Perera seeks apology from Aussie broadcaster or face Rs. 10 b damage

High net worth investor Nimal Perera, through his lawyers Attorneys-at-Law Sudath Perera Associates, has sought an apology from Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and its journalists over what he alleged as a defamatory program recently or face damages to the tune of Rs. 10 billion.

The lawyers have sent a Letter of Demand to ABC and others over the program titled ‘Profiting from the pandemic: How Aspen Medical cashed in on COVID Four Comers’ posted on its official YouTube channel ‘ABC News In-depth’. The said program has been published and can be viewed via youtube.com/watch?v=FoOKMfA3zPA.

“The said program contains references to Nimal Perera, which are incorrect and are defamatory of him,” Sudath Perera Associates said.

In the circumstances, on behalf of Nimal, the legal firm has demanded without prejudice to Nimal Perera’s rights to claim appropriate damages for the highly defamatory statements and innuendo that ABC and others tender an unconditional apology to Nimal Perera jointly and severally, in respect of the publication of the defamatory statements. Additionally, ABC has been asked to remove the impugned publications completely, and forthwith, in order to prevent continuing damage.

ABC and journalists have been told that if they do not comply Nimal Perera, in consideration of its apology and removal of the defamatory matter, will not instigate legal action.

In the event of failure ABC and journalists have been told to consider the notice as a demand against them and demand payment of Rs. 10 billion as damages within 14 days of the notice.

In the event of non-compliance, Sudath Perera Associates states that Nimal Perera will be compelled to institute legal action against ABC and journalists in the District Court of Colombo, Sri Lanka.