• Says Rajapaksa's arrest was politically motivated 

The SLPP has condemned the arrest and remand of its National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, alleging that the action was politically motivated and posed a threat to democracy.

The MP was arrested on 4 September and produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate, who ordered that he be remanded until 18 September under Section 149 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023.

In a statement, the SLPP described the arrest as “very questionable”, particularly as the party is preparing for a major public rally in Anuradhapura on 12 September.

The Party alleged that the arrest was intended to silence Rajapaksa and prevent growing opposition to the Government and public participation in the planned rally.

The SLPP rejected the allegations against Rajapaksa, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. It also questioned the evidence presented by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, referring to what it described as contradictory statements previously made by a person involved in the investigation.

The Party said anti-corruption laws should be used to tackle corruption and fraud and not for political purposes. It also called for independent state institutions to function without political interference.

The SLPP urged civil society organisations, institutions involved in the justice system and members of the public who support the rule of law to speak out against the misuse of state power and law enforcement institutions for political purposes.

Despite Rajapaksa's remand, the Party said its September 12 Anuradhapura rally would go ahead as planned. “The Anuradhapura mass rally scheduled for 12 September, 2026 will be held as planned,” the Party said, adding that it would remain “stronger, more determined and more united” with the people.