R.A.C. Ranawaka vs Upali Chandrawansha – NCP/HCCA/ARP/878/2010-2018

In the case between R.A.C. Ranawaka and Upali Chandrawansha, Revenue Administrator of Lankapura Pradeshiya Sabha, the court addressed the issue of whether a defamatory statement made by the defendant at a Pradeshiya Sabha meeting and later publicized was protected by any statutory or common law privilege. It was determined that the statement constituted publication, that malice was present, and that privilege did not apply under the circumstances. The holding affirmed the District Court’s award for defamation, reinstating the award that had been set aside by the Provincial High Court. This decision reaffirmed the principle that protection by privilege does not extend to statements made with malice or reckless disregard for the truth, applying established Roman Dutch and English Law doctrin