He had filed the case, citing an article posted by SLM on 13 May 2012 titled ‘Raigam Teles exposed’ as insulting and defamatory of himself and the ITN.

The case was withdrawn when it was taken up by Colombo chief magistrate Frank Gunawardena.

A senior television personality, Mr. Senaratne was the TV’s first presenter in 1979, and became the first TV newsreader in 1982. He introduced the engineering, programme, marketing, news and current affairs management fields to TV.

He is the chairman of Janasarana, a programme that helps people affected by the war and other disasters.

Lawyers for the respondents maintained accuracy of the article in question and said they were prepared to prove so.

President’s counsel Kuwera de Soysa appeared on behalf of the complainant.

For the respondents, lawyers Kaushalya Perera and Upul Kumarapperuma appeared on the advice of Darshika Naomi Udugama.