• NPP to act upon statement verification 

The People's Power against Bribery, Corruption, and Waste organisation yesterday (10) lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) over a statement made by the Kaduwela Municipal Council (MC) Mayor Ranjan Jayalal, claiming that the matter would serve as a “litmus test” of whether the CIABOC is prepared to independently investigate allegations involving politicians affiliated with both the Government and the Opposition.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the organisation's President Kamantha Thushara said that he submitted the complaint after Jayalal, who leads the National People's Power (NPP)-led Kaduwela MC, made the remarks at a public gathering about hampers traditionally received by Local Authority representatives during next month (December). “The people expected a system change. The NPP Government came to power because the people wanted an end to the old system." He said that Jayalal had referred to himself and other elected representatives as being the “last” Mayors, Ministers and Parliamentarians who would have to endure hardships, while also asking for gifts to be brought to the MC at the end of December. “We want to know whether he made this statement on behalf of Local Authority representatives, MPs and Ministers across Sri Lanka, or whether it was his personal statement.” Thushara claimed that the statement should be examined under the Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of 2023. Referring to Section 93 of the Act, he said that the provision covers the solicitation or acceptance of gratification by an MP, or a Provincial Councilor or a Local Authority member or councilor as an inducement or reward for doing or refraining from doing an act in that capacity. “This is corruption and a public request for a bribe. This is a litmus test for the CIABOC to see whether it conducts independent investigations into people connected to politicians in both the Government and the Opposition."

Jayalal, in the remarks referred to in the complaint, said that the NPP had fought for years to obtain political power and that its representatives should be among the last to endure the difficulties associated with public office. “We had a dream of gaining power. We sacrificed many things for that. We should be the last Mayors who suffer, and the last Ministers and MPs who suffer, because we don’t need to suffer. That’s the truth.” He said that gifts traditionally brought to MCs by private companies during December are no longer arriving after the NPP came to power. “In December, if you give a portion of your production to the MC employees, give it. We are also people who eat and drink well.”

When contacted by The Daily Morning, NPP General Secretary and MP Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe said that he had seen the statement circulating on social media and had informed the relevant District Organiser about it. “I told him to verify whether it was genuine or fake. Based on that, further action will be taken,” he said.

Under Section 93(b) of the Act, an MP, a Provincial Councilor or Local Authority member or councilor who solicits or accepts gratification as an inducement or reward for doing or refraining from doing an act in that capacity commits an offence of bribery. A person convicted under the provision may face a fine of up to Rs. one million and rigourous imprisonment of up to seven years.

Meanwhile, Cabinet of Ministers Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has stated that no member of the NPP is involved in bribery, corruption or fraudulent activities, stressing that the Party is prepared to take disciplinary action if any such allegations are substantiated. He made these remarks yesterday (10) in response to questions raised by journalists at the weekly Cabinet media briefing regarding a controversial statement recently made by Jayalal at a public event. He emphasised that no NPP public representative would engage in bribery, corruption or fraudulent activities. He further stated that if a complaint was lodged against any Party member in connection with such conduct, the Party would conduct an internal inquiry and take appropriate disciplinary action. He also stressed the importance of examining Jayalal's complete statement before drawing conclusions, noting that only a portion of the remarks had been circulated.