In an unexpected turn of events, actor Gihan Aluthdora, who had appeared in a televised advertisement for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), publicly distanced himself from the party and symbolically trampled on the SLPP flag. Aluthdora's action came as a response to the controversy surrounding his participation in the SLPP's promotional campaign.

Taking to Facebook, Aluthdora shared a photograph of himself stepping on the SLPP party flag, accompanied by a caption clarifying that his involvement with the party was solely for the advertisement and did not align with his political views.

The SLPP had aired the television commercial during the final match of the Asia Cup between India and Sri Lanka. This move was part of the party's strategy to regain public support following the ousting of former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa from power. However, the timing of the advertisement, during a high-stakes cricket match, drew criticism and ridicule on social media.

The SLPP's association with the country's economic challenges last year further fueled the controversy, as viewers questioned the party's attempt to sway public opinion during a sporting event.