Ravaya editor K.W. Janaranjana said that he had been called to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and questioned for two and a half hours over a news report.

The concerned news item was the lead of the Ravaya newspaper on November 30, with the title “Maithri 59%, Mahinda 41%, Intelligence Chief Out.”

The news item was on a report which had reportedly been compiled by the State Investigation Service Chief predicting a victory for the common candidate of the opposition, Janaranjana has told media. The news item said that the president had been angry at the report and had fired the intelligence chief.

However, the Ravaya editor has told BBC Sandeshaya that the story is true and Ravaya stands by the story.

He alleged that after the controversial article was published, a group claiming to be Defence Ministry personnel have visited ‘Ravaya’ sales agents and have threatened them for information. 

Meanwhile, Police Spokesperson SSP Ajith Rohana earlier told media that the story is a complete fabrication and the SIS Chief had not been transferred. He added that the SIS was preparing to take legal action against Ravaya. However, News Editor of Ravaya, Lasantha Ruhunage, had also told a local newspaper that Ravaya stands by the story.