• No timelines for constitutional amendments; discussion on changes needed to CC, independent commissions
• Anil says US has offered 0% tariff on certain Sri Lankan exports; refuses details, citing ‘non-disclosure’
• Sajith asks Govt. to build connections in White House to resolve tariff issue; Govt. says looking for links
• RW says US must be reminded of role as an OCC member; Vijitha meets China’s Wang Yi in Malaysia
• Anura Meter shows slow move on promises, says Manthri.lk; Lalkantha reveals talk with AKD after polls
• AKD faces hurdle in appointing next CJ; Justices Surasena, Thurairaja, Nawaz, Kodagoda frontrunners
• Another probe on Sajith, this time on housing project; Mahinda speaks in favour of Govt. after exposé
• SJB internal crisis resurfaces with call for complete overhaul of posts; push for changing party leadership
• SJB group including MPs threatens to quit if hierarchy not changed, says five defeats not organisers’ fault
• Ranjith dismisses talk of changes to senior SJB posts or leadership; SF predicts SJB’s decline to 1 m votes
• Opposition parties including senior SJB MPs and activists note need to change Opposition leadership
• Dayasiri seen as an emerging leader; invitation from SJB for deputy leader post, SLFP for party leadership
• SJB supports JVP/NPP to gain control of Beruwala UC; Ranjith expels six SJB councillors in Beruwala UC
• RW blamed by UNP, SLPP dissidents for promoting alliance with SJB, when SJB deals with JVP/NPP
• RW hits back at the UNP and SLPP dissident seniors, saying he followed majority call by many
• LG constitution still ongoing, around 50 still pending; Seethawaka, Anamaduwa LGs postponed again
• ITAK LG members attend Batticaloa DCC in garbage tractors, claiming no other mode of transportation
• Dayasiri in Parliament Library on holidays learning about role and duty of the Leader of the House
• Bimal challenges Opposition to complain to CID for probe if he has done wrong; Udaya goes to CIABOC
• 19 ministers, deputy ministers using two fuel allocations; CID to probe alleged irregular land deals
• Sujeewa gives three-hour statement to CID, granted bail by court; Sajith and Opposition MPs in court
• Spotlight on Rajitha, anticipatory bail denied by court in CIABOC case; Chathura vows to topple Govt.
• Harin gives statement to CIABOC on land probe; court to hear Nalin’s appeal, Mervyn case given dates
• Duminda speaks of best 54 days in life behind bars, says gained more experience than Harvard degree

That President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Government is on a tightrope walk balancing the economy and governance is evident by the multiple challenges before them at present.

It is learnt that while trying to address the economic challenges faced by the country, the President and his Government are looking at amending the Constitution. It is also learnt that the proposed constitutional amendment, which is in the discussion stage, is to cover several key areas of concern that have risen regarding the functions and performance of the Constitutional Council as well as the independent commissions.

While several inquiries from Government sources indicated that no timelines had been set for such a move and that it was still being discussed, one of the key pledges of President AKD and the JVP/NPP during last year’s elections was the introduction of a new constitution. However, after assuming office, the Government stated that a new constitution would be introduced in three years.

Be that as it may, the increasing cost of living is once again beginning to hit the masses as the initial euphoria of a ‘system change’ through AKD’s and the JVP/NPP’s victory at last year’s polls is gradually dying down. The increasing prices of commodities and the increase in electricity tariffs that have had a cascading effect on people’s daily lives were evident with several protests that were held in Colombo and Medirigiriya by the People’s Struggle Alliance, where protesters stood on streets holding burning torches.

It is important to understand that the 2022 economic crisis, the people’s uprising, and the eventual ouster of an Executive President were precipitated by similar protests by people holding torches that spread across the country. However, this time, such protests were limited to two.

Nevertheless, the public is now aware that the last electricity tariff hike was by no means the last one for this year. Some protesting members of the public recently claimed that a further increase would take place in order to secure the next tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme with Sri Lanka.

The AKD Government, it is evident, is now beginning to feel the heat of governance and the severity of the economic crisis faced by the country.

Another aspect that requires the Government’s undivided attention is the impact US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs would have on Sri Lankan exports and the country’s overall economic recovery.

It should also be noted that the increasing electricity tariffs and their cascading impact further increases manufacturing costs for the country’s manufacturing and exports sectors. Given the challenges posed by the Trump tariffs, especially given the regional competition from countries with better tariffs with the US and lower manufacturing costs, the road ahead for Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a potholed one.

President AKD meanwhile has informed local exporters that the ongoing dialogue with the US will continue to secure additional concessions. During a meeting with exporters in Sri Lanka, the President noted that the objective of the Government was to implement changes that would benefit the country’s economy, businesses, the business community, and the well-being of its citizens.

Noting that Sri Lanka still had time until 1 August to negotiate better tariffs for Sri Lankan exports to the US, President AKD and his Government are continuing to engage in negotiations with the United States Trade Representative, with a Government delegation visiting Washington, DC for a third round of talks on the tariffs.

Non-disclosure agreement

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando meanwhile has said that the US has offered a 0% tariff on certain exports from Sri Lanka.

Speaking during a television interview, Fernando has said that negotiations are underway, with the US offering Sri Lanka several export items that would qualify for 0% tariffs.

“Out of these 1,161 items for export, 42 are agricultural products. The list includes all types of apparel. For about 70-80% of these items, they have expressed agreement to offer us a 0% tariff. That’s why we’re not revealing everything yet, because the agreement hasn’t been finalised. But once exports begin, they will be subject to 0% duty,” he has noted. 

When inquired about the details of the exempted items, Fernando has responded saying that a ‘non-disclosure exclusivity’ has been signed, preventing points discussed from being disclosed if a final agreement is yet to be reached.

However, prior to Trump’s tariff, Sri Lanka was already paying taxes ranging from 7.5-16.5% on apparel exported to the US. As for US imports to Sri Lanka, duties amounted to around 0-20%, excluding the so-called ‘para-tariffs’ like the Port and Airports Development Levy.

Looking for White House links

Meanwhile, in lighter vein, a senior member of the Government noted that the Government was busy looking for people to talk to at the White House, making fun at a recent statement made by Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Premadasa noted recently that the Government must initiate direct negotiations with the White House over the tariff deal without focusing only on negotiations with representatives of the US Department of Commerce and United States Trade Representative.

He had told Parliament recently that there were instances where the White House had changed the decisions of these representatives over tariffs.

Premadasa had further noted that the Government must develop direct links with the White House and must at least reach out to the White House Chief of Staff over the matter.

“If there are Sri Lankan caucuses in the Senate and the US House of Representatives, Sri Lanka needs to reach out to those senators and House representatives over the matter,” Premadasa had said, adding that the Opposition was ready to support the Government to secure the best deal for Sri Lanka.

RW’s reminder to the US

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe meanwhile says that Sri Lanka must remind the US of its obligations as a member of the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) of Sri Lanka’s debt treatment agreements during the ongoing tariff negotiations between the two countries.

“We have never told the US, which is a member of the OCC, this. The US has signed on to the Extended Fund Facility – (EFF, the IMF programme with Sri Lanka) and its time limits. They must help us now, otherwise they are in breach of the agreement,” the former President noted during an event held to launch a book by former Presidential Economic Adviser Sarath Rajapatirana, which explored policy challenges facing Sri Lanka.

“They are preventing us from repaying the bondholders, and we must now tell the bondholders to go to the US and get the money,” he stated.

The OCC comprises countries with eligible claims on Sri Lanka, including the US, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Wickremesinghe added that Sri Lanka had lagged in globalisation due to an anti-trade stance and politically-motivated Opposition campaigns.

Meeting Wang Yi

It is in such a backdrop that Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meetings in Kuala Lumpur recently. 

With the US engaged in what seems a trade war with China, threatening additional tariffs for countries dealing in trade with China, Sri Lanka has maintained that the country’s diplomatic engagements remain a sovereign matter. During Herath’s meeting with Wang, the two sides had reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and commitment to deepening strategic cooperation.

Herath had thanked China for its consistent support, especially during Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges, and reiterated the country’s commitment to the One China policy. He had emphasised the importance of accelerating key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port.

Discussions had also focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure, green energy, and the digital economy. Both Ministers had further affirmed their shared vision for a strong, mutually-respectful partnership that supported peaceful regional development.

Anura Meter

Meanwhile, as President AKD nears the completion of one year in office come September, an independent think tank last week announced the launch of Anura Meter, which is an online tracker that monitors the progress of selected promises made in President AKD’s 2024 Presidential Election manifesto.

The 22 promises selected for tracking focus on proposals considered to be of high public interest and important in relation to economic reforms, governance, anti-corruption, law and order, and social protection, according to the Manthri.lk platform.

Information to update the Anura Meter is drawn from three sources: 1) what is found in published sources, 2) responses received to Right to Information (RTI) requests, and 3) credible information provided by users.

Users are invited to contribute ideas and information by visiting the Anura Meter on the Manthri.lk page.

AKD’s request from Lalkantha

Meanwhile, outspoken senior JVP/NPP Minister K.D. Lalkantha recently revealed what seemed a secret discussion that had taken place between him and President AKD following last year’s Parliamentary Elections.

Addressing a public gathering, Lalkantha revealed that he had not wanted to contest the last Parliamentary Elections, although he had wanted to work for the JVP/NPP’s victory at the polls. However, had noted that he had been compelled to contest the elections due to continuous requests from people in his constituency.

“I never had any intention of contesting the last Parliamentary Elections, but I wanted to ensure the party won in Kandy. Since people expected me to contest, I finally contested. However, I thought that I would contest, win, and then resign from the seat so the next in line could enter Parliament,” he noted.

However, after entering Parliament, he had been asked to remain in his seat without resigning but then decided not to accept a portfolio. “When I was asked to remain in Parliament, I decided to remain an ordinary Member of Parliament (MP) without accepting any portfolios.”

Lalkantha revealed that he had finally accepted several portfolios following a request made by the President, which he could not turn down. “Then the President spoke to me and said: ‘Lala, you have to accept the portfolios of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, and Land. It will also have Mahaweli. You must do them.’ I had no way of saying no to him (AKD),” Lalkantha noted.

Battle for CJ

Meanwhile, apart from the ongoing economic challenges, President AKD is going to be burdened by another key issue – the appointment of the next Chief Justice (CJ). Incumbent Chief Justice Murdu Fernando is to retire next Sunday (27). 

In another seven days, President AKD has to send his nomination for the post of Chief Justice to the Constitutional Council.

However, it is learnt that it is not going to be an easy feat for President AKD to decide on his candidate for the key judicial office given the many frontrunners for the position. Key among the frontrunners for the post of Chief Justice are Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, S. Thurairaja, A.H.M.D. Nawaz, and Yasantha Kodagoda.

It is also learnt that there is currently a cold war brewing among some of the frontrunners for the post of Chief Justice.

Mahinda’s support

Meanwhile, former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has expressed his support for the JVP/NPP Government.

Abeywardena has recently stated that the incumbent Government seems to be doing its maximum and that he will extend his fullest support to the Government. “Our fullest support is with the Government,” he has stated after a recent function in Colombo.

The Government meanwhile recently announced in Parliament about how the former Speaker had allegedly misused the vehicles and fuel allowances allocated to the office and has vowed a probe and action into the matter.

Another probe on Sajith

Meanwhile, another probe has been launched into the expenditure of public funds on a housing programme that was launched by Opposition Leader Premadasa during his tenure as Housing Minister under the ‘Yahapalana’ Government. 

The probe is being conducted by the Permanent Investigations Unit of the Ministry of Housing, under the supervision of an Additional Secretary of the ministry.

During a recent Cabinet news briefing, it was revealed that the Finance Division of the National Housing Development Authority had released a report revealing significant discrepancies in the ‘Sevana’ model house village project launched under the ‘Yahapalana’ Government.

According to the report, while 2,562 model villages had been proposed, only 367 had been officially declared open. Also, a staggering Rs. 523 million had been spent on promotional activities, with an additional Rs. 5.968 billion allocated for housing beneficiaries remaining unpaid.

This latest probe is in addition to the ongoing probe on the fund utilisation of the Central Cultural Fund during the same period when the latter was under Premadasa’s purview.

Push for change in SJB

While probes have been initiated against Premadasa, the continuing crisis within the SJB has taken a new twist, with many party members seeking changes to the top posts in the party. The group seeking changes has pointed out that the SJB has lost five successive elections and that the party should therefore make immediate changes to its top-rung officials and leaders before looking at making changes to party organisers.

It is learnt that a group of around 10 senior SJB MPs and several electoral organisers had met Premadasa and urged him to appoint popular, young, and creative figures to top positions in the party.

The group has pointed out that it was unfair to blame only the electoral organisers since the party had been defeated at two Presidential Elections, two General Elections, and one Local Government Election. It had been further pointed out that future electoral defeats would be inevitable if changes were not made to the top slots in the party.

It is learnt that the call for change within the SJB hierarchy had come as discussions were being held to remove some party organisers, blaming them for the SJB’s defeat at elections.

The group calling for change had also pointed out that the SJB could have gained more strength at the elections if it had contested as an extensive alliance with the United National Party (UNP) and other parties.

It had further been pointed out that Premadasa should have accepted the post of prime minister when former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had offered it to him since not accepting the premiership had also resulted in a failure to garner the anticipated public support for Premadasa or the SJB. The example that had been cited was of how former President Wickremesinghe had managed to garner two million votes at the last Presidential Election after accepting the post of Prime Minister in 2022.

SJBers’ threat

Meanwhile, it is learnt that several SJBers have threatened to become independent in the event the party leadership fails to heed the request for a complete overhaul of the party structure.

It is also learnt that among the SJBers who have threatened to stand independently include a group of MPs as well.

Change in leadership

Amidst the call for a total overhaul of the SJB, there are also calls by some SJBers including MPs that there should be a change in the party leadership as well.

The ‘reformists’ in the SJB, while calling for a total overhaul of the party hierarchy, have also noted the need for a new leadership to steer the party. One SJB MP noted that given the ongoing probes on Premadasa, it would be a wise move to have a change in the leadership to sustain and steer the party forward. 

However, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara has dismissed statements on moves to change the party leadership. Madduma Bandara had also told the media that there were no changes in the offing where the SJB was concerned.

Meanwhile, there is also an emerging discussion on appointing a new leader of the Opposition in Parliament in place of Premadasa.

It is learnt that several Opposition parties and MPs including several senior SJBers had recently held a discussion with a group of activists where it had been pointed out that apart from changes in the SJB, there needed to be change in the parliamentary Opposition with a new leader taking charge of the Opposition.

SJBers back JVP/NPP

Amidst the discussions for changes in the SJB, the party’s councillors at the Beruwala Urban Council had extended support to the ruling JVP/NPP mayoral candidate to take charge of the council while an SJB councillor was elected as the Deputy Mayor.

The SJB holds six seats in the Beruwala Urban Council while the JVP/NPP holds only three seats. Another independent group holds seven seats in the council.

However, the six SJB councillors had backed the JVP/NPP instead of supporting the independent group. The partnership between the SJB and the JVP/NPP highlighted a rare instance of cooperation between the two opposing parties.

The cooperation between the SJB and JVP/NPP at the Beruwala Urban Council resulted in much talk about a deal between the two opposing parties. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated in response that the JVP/NPP had not come to any agreement with other political parties to form the administrations in local bodies and that in certain councils, Opposition members had supported the ruling party on their own.

Beruwala councillors expelled

Meanwhile, SJB General Secretary Madduma Bandara announced last Tuesday (15) that the party had decided to suspend the six councillors of the party in the Beruwala Urban Council.

Madduma Bandara stated that the six councillors had acted in violation of the party stance and supported the ruling JVP/NPP to elect a mayor and that their party memberships had been suspended as a result. 

The six members are M. Shafi Mohomad Musjeer, M.F.M. Isham, Mohomad Masahim, D. Wimalasiri Silva, M.N.M. Irshath, and M.R. Fathima Rihana.

Fonseka’s prediction

Meanwhile, former SJB Chairman, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka says the SJB will only secure around one million votes at the next election, which will be a decline from the votes obtained at previous elections.

Fonseka revealed during a recent public gathering that several senior members and activists of the SJB had already started leaving the party, hinting at displeasure within the party. 

“First, Welgama left. Then Champika, Rajitha, Thalatha, and Fonseka left. Now the party is only left with ‘yes-men’ who agree to every decision of the Party Leader,” Fonseka has said, adding that it was difficult to embark on a journey to develop the country with such people.

An emerging leader

Meanwhile, there was much attention during the past week on Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, with talk of the possibility of him being appointed as a deputy leader of the SJB. Another topic in the political circles related to Jayasekara is that he has been asked to take over the leadership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

It is learnt that several senior SLFPers have engaged in a discussion with Jayasekara as part of an ongoing programme to reunite all dissident SLFPers with the party. It is also learnt that these discussions had taken place when SLFP General Secretary Duminda Dissanayake was in remand. Dissanayake and Jayasekara have been at loggerheads over some time over the SLFP’s general secretary post. 

Jayasekara, however, has not made any comment about either of the stories.

Last Friday (18) saw Jayasekara visiting the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to file a complaint regarding an alleged fraud at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) where there had not been forensic audits conducted at the CPC.

RW under pressure

Meanwhile, former President Wickremesinghe faced quite some blame last week during a meeting with senior members of the UNP and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) dissidents at his Flower Road office.

During the meeting, which was attended by senior Opposition party members, Wickremesinghe had been blamed for pushing to form an alliance with the SJB, while the SJB seemed to have made a deal with the ruling party to form administrations of Local Government (LG) bodies, especially in the Beruwala Urban Council. 

They had noted that the SJBers had supported the JVP/NPP a week after the Cabinet had appointed a committee to investigate the Central Cultural Fund, which was under Premadasa during the ‘Yahapalana’ Government.

Several UNPers had questioned Wickremesinghe for pushing to work with the SJB to form councils after the SJB had made a deal with JVP/NPP.

Wickremesinghe, it is learnt, had responded saying that he had agreed to cooperate with the SJB due to increasing calls among UNPers, including party seniors, asking him to do so. The UNP Leader had then asked the seniors to decide what they wanted to do – ally with the SJB or not – and to not blame him.

Two LGs postponed

However, while a majority of Local Government bodies have now been constituted, there still remain several bodies whose administrations are yet to be formed. A statement in the media last week revealed that some 50 LG bodies were yet to be constituted.

It is in such a backdrop that the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha and Anamaduwa Pradeshiya Sabha had to postpone sittings for a second time due to a lack of a quorum after Opposition parties had walked out of the meetings objecting to the Provincial Commissioner’s move to hold secret ballots to elect the chair and vice chair of the relevant councils.

Accordingly, the election to appoint a chairman and vice chairman for the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, scheduled to take place on Tuesday (15), was postponed for a second time without a set date by Western Province Local Government Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara.

A similar situation was reported at the Anamaduwa Pradeshiya Sabha as well.

Garbage tractor transport

Meanwhile, heads of local councils controlled by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) had last week arrived at the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee (DCC) meeting in garbage collection tractors, as a mark of protest.

In a post on X, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam stated that they had arrived in such a manner after the JVP/NPP Government had confiscated and planned to auction off their official vehicles. 

He pointed out that this move followed the President’s pre-election statement, indicating an intention to undermine local councils not won by the JVP/NPP.

“The official justification for seizing the vehicles was their high maintenance cost. However, in a clear contradiction, the Governor of the Eastern Province continues to use a V8 Land Cruiser, an expensive vehicle that incurs significant costs to the Government,” Rasamanickam added. 

Dayasiri’s homework

Meanwhile, Opposition MP Jayasekara, it is learnt, is now visiting Parliament even on days when there are no sessions.

Hearing about Jayasekara’s frequent visit to Parliament on non-sitting days, several other Opposition MPs had inquired from Parliament staff what Jayasekara was up to in the House during non-sitting days. The MPs had been surprised by the response they had received.

It is now learnt that Jayasekara has been spending time in the Parliament Library going through reading material on the role and duties of the Leader of the House.

It is no secret that Jayasekara and Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake frequently engage in verbal altercations during parliamentary sessions.

Bimal’s challenge

Minister Rathnayake meanwhile has urged the Opposition to lodge complaints with the Police and provide all the information they possess if he is linked to the release of over 300 controversial containers without proper check earlier this year, as alleged.

The Minister had told Parliament that he had no authority to release containers and that he was not involved in releasing any containers.

“The Opposition tried to link the Western Province Governor to the release of containers and after it was proven wrong, they attempted to link it to me. I have no authority to release containers. I have not released a single container. If the Opposition has any information, they can go to any Police and lodge a complaint and prove me wrong. Imprison me if I have committed any fraud,” Rathnayake had challenged.

Udaya’s letter to CIABOC

Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila meanwhile last Thursday (17) handed over a letter to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) requesting the status of a complaint lodged by his party against Minister Rathnayake and his Deputy Janitha Kodithuwakku regarding their alleged involvement in the releasing of over 300 containers without scrutiny in January this year from the Colombo Port.

According to Gammanpila, his party had lodged the complaint on 2 June, but so far the CIABOC has not taken tangible measures to investigate the alleged ministerial involvement that had caused the country massive losses and possibly endangered the country’s security, as containers that were flagged as ‘red’ had been released without checking.

VIPs in fuel saga

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that some 19 ministers and deputy ministers are utilising two fuel allocations. These ministers and deputy ministers, it is learnt, utilise the fuel allocated to them from the ministry as well as from Parliament as MPs.

However, Parliament has now stopped allocating fuel to 30 members of the incumbent Government, including the Prime Minister, ministers, and deputy ministers following a request submitted by them to stop allocating fuel for them from the House. Parliament officials maintain that the fuel allowances of the rest of the ministers and deputy ministers can be stopped if similar requests are made.

It is learnt that Parliament has spent over Rs. 80 million on fuel allowances to MPs including the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Deputy Chairman of Committees in March this year. An MP from the Colombo District is allocated a fuel quota of 283.94 litres per month while an MP from the Northern or Eastern Provinces is allocated a quota of around 639.53 litres.

CID probe on lands

The Land Ministry has meanwhile filed complaints with the CID over the alleged large-scale misuse of Government lands in the past.

Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe noted that complaints had been lodged regarding three major land plots under the Land Reform Commission (LRC).

It is alleged that two lands in Kandy and in the Gampaha District have been misused on a large scale.

Ranasinghe further noted that special attention would be given to complaints related to such misuse of lands in the future.

COPE probes to CID

Meanwhile, the parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has decided to hand over reports of six State institutions to the CID to probe alleged irregularities that had taken place during past years.

The institutions to be subjected to CID probes include the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, National Medicines Regulatory Authority, Sabaragamuwa University, Land Reform Commission, Mahapola Trust Fund, and Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital.

Spotlight on Rajitha

Meanwhile, the next former minister in line to be arrested by the CIABOC seems to be former Minister Rajitha Senaratne.

Senaratne last week filed an anticipatory bail application before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, seeking to prevent his arrest by the Bribery Commission.

The anticipatory bail was filed after the court was informed by the CIABOC that Senaratne was evading arrest in connection with a sand mining deal that caused a Rs. 26.2 million loss to the State.

CIABOC officials had told the court that Senaratne had disconnected his phone, abandoned his residence, and ignored multiple summons, adding that a medical report submitted through his lawyer was deemed invalid.

While the CIABOC had proceeded to seek a warrant, the Magistrate noted that such a request required formal documentation. 

However, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday (18) rejected an anticipatory bail application filed by former Minister Senaratne.

Chathura’s threat

Senaratne’s son, Chathura Senaratne, meanwhile has warned that the incumbent Government will be toppled regardless of whether his father is arrested or not.

“We will definitely topple this Government. Whether my father is arrested or not, this Government will be toppled,” he has said. 

Chathura has made the remarks while responding to questions raised by reporters.

Sujeewa before CID

Meanwhile, SJB MP Sujeewa Senasinghe appeared before the CID last Monday (14) to provide a statement regarding an illegally assembled vehicle.

Senasinghe left the CID after approximately three hours of questioning and told the media that this was the fourth time he had been called in to record a statement, adding that the current Government was targeting political figures.

Claiming that such actions were intended to discourage politicians from participating in politics, the SJB MP emphasised his readiness to face any situation fearlessly.

“This is my fourth statement. Newspapers are falsely reporting that I refused to give a statement. If the country is genuinely being developed, that’s good. But development won’t happen by pursuing us. 

“I don’t know when this will end, but I will happily face this. Many people are becoming fed up with politics. It’s come to a point where good people are leaving, and thugs are treating politics as a profession,” Senasinghe said. 

Sajith stands by Sujeewa

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Premadasa and a group of Opposition politicians arrived at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday (16) when Senasinghe appeared before court over the CID case related to an allegedly illegally assembled vehicle.

Several SJB members, including Lakshman Kiriella, Harsha de Silva, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, and S.M. Marikkar, as well as Opposition politicians Udaya Gammanpila and Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader Mano Ganesan were seen at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

However, Senasinghe was granted bail by Magistrate Nilupulee Lankapura on a surety bail of Rs. 200,000. The Magistrate had earlier instructed the CID to present Senasinghe in court and submit medical reports confirming that he had travelled abroad for treatment.

SM rubs off on Harin

Meanwhile, former Minister Harin Fernando was summoned by the CIABOC to record a statement on an ongoing probe related to a land deal carried out during former Minister S.M. Chandrasena’s tenure as Lands Minister.

Fernando had given a statement to the CIABOC for around three hours before leaving. He had told the media after giving his statement: “They asked me about my knowledge of a land deal that had been initiated before my tenure as Lands Minister. I told them what I know about it. It was a decision approved by the LRC Board on 26 March 2021.”

Chandrasena meanwhile is in remand custody over an alleged irregularity in the distribution of maize among farmers, causing millions of rupees in losses to the Government at the time. Courts last week remanded Chandrasena again until 1 August.

Nalin’s appeal

Meanwhile, the Permanent Trial-at-Bar of the Colombo High Court has ordered that the appeal request of former Minister of Trade Nalin Fernando, who was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment, be taken up for consideration on 25 August. 

The appeal was called up before High Court Justices Mahen Weeraman, Pradeep Abeyratne, and Amali Ranaweera.

President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, appearing for defendant Fernando, had told the court that his client had filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against the prison sentence and fines.

Indatissa had requested the court to release his client on bail until the appeal was heard and a final decision was announced.

HC to hear Mervyn’s case

The Colombo High Court meanwhile has scheduled 28 July to hear the corruption case filed against former Labour Minister Mervyn Silva.

Silva is accused of maintaining millions of rupees worth of assets, vehicles, and bank accounts beyond his lawful income.

The case filed by the CIABOC alleges that Silva had acquired luxury vehicles, real estate, and other high-value assets between 31 March 2010 and 31 March 2012, during his tenure as a Cabinet Minister.

The prosecution has claimed that these acquisitions could not have been made through his official salary and income.

Duminda’s life lessons

Meanwhile, former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, who was released on bail last week over a case involving a gold-plated firearm, spoke of his experience behind bars for 54 days.

He noted that the 54 days behind bars had been the best days of his life and that he had gained more knowledge than he would have learnt from books at Harvard University. He explained that he had spent his time with former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres and drug sellers and users, as well as those accused of underworld activities. 

Dissanayake concluded by stating that he felt sad to leave his new friends in prison.