• AKD pledges law application on all equally; Govt. locks horns with the underworld, probes intensified
• Govt. gears for UNHRC sessions with PTA repeal and probing complaints of disappearances in the past
• Hope for Sri Lanka on US trade tariffs as US Court of Appeals notes they are ‘invalid as contrary to law’
• RW first admitted to Prison Hospital Ward 3, but 50 persons in the ward prevent him being admitted
• Prison, Prison Hospital authorities discuss security concerns, agree to prepare jailor’s rest room for RW
• Dr. Bellana explains RW’s health, says needs heart surgery and can still govern; inquiry into Dr. Bellana
• Dileepa assigned special protection, denies bail for RW; Anuja explains RW’s medical condition in court
• Hundreds of lawyers attend proceedings; Wanninayake clashes with Dileepa, other lawyers intervene
• RW returns home from National Hospital; Lalkantha says RW’s lawyers ended his political plans in court
• Wajira says Welikada Prison land belonged to RW’s ancestors; land belonged to RW’s maternal ancestor
• Police probe on protesters; former councillor arrested for attacking policeman; Govt. rejects intimidation
• Rajitha, Nimal, Rathana Thera arrested on Friday as Opposition politicians reminded of ‘Friday surprises’
• SJB absent from joint Opposition presser; Ruwan meets Sajith, duo agree to work to unite Opposition
• Digambaram on the spot over Opposition unity over probes while failing to unite for estate workers
• Sajith convenes meetings of joint Opposition on Monday, Wednesday, Friday; meetings to continue
• Maithripala, CBK, MR extend support to pro-RW campaign; Sajith dismisses comments during polls
• Dayasiri says ‘BR’ in JVP/NPP Govt. like old ‘BR’; Bimal says RW should have been jailed in the past
• JVP/NPP lawyers speak of contempt of court over Opposition action; Police reveals RW trip details
• Govt. Information Department releases explanatory videos; Vijitha explains presidential expenses
• BASL concerned over third-party statements undermining rule of law, points out legal consequences
• Nalinda speaks of YouTuber’s prediction, says similar to Victor Ivan; YouTuber’s security withdrawn
• Fake news increases; Harini dismisses story on visiting RW, Governor Hanif rejects story on resignation
• AKD’s office refuses to respond to RTI request on domestic travel; two ex-Presidents facing probes
• SC concludes hearing on slashing ex-presidents’ entitlements; Eraj, Sabry, Ashokbharan make submissions
• AG’s Dept. says no pension cut for ex-presidents, only other privileges; determination to the Speaker
• Udaya being probed under controversial ICCPR Act; new Police unit on assets acquired through crime

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Government, after creating history as the administration under whose watch a former Executive President was arrested and remanded, is continuing to push its anti-corruption drive targeting members of former governments, resulting in Opposition parties uniting against what it claims to be political victimisation. The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) claims that while it is supportive of action against fraud, corruption, and other wrongdoing, it is opposed to using probes and litigation as a tool of suppression to silence dissent.  

President AKD has however made a pledge during an event in Colombo. He said: “The law will be enforced equally on all citizens. Those found guilty of corruption will face strict punishment, no matter their position or influence. No individual will be above the law under my Government. Why do they react so strongly when we say the law will be equal to all? It is because their conscience tells them they are criminals.”

The President made this claim at an event he presided over at the same time former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s bail hearing was taking place in close proximity at the Fort Magistrate’s Court. AKD further claimed that the Government would reclaim all State-owned houses allocated to former Presidents once new legislation was passed in September.

The Government meanwhile recorded a win with last week’s arrest of six key leaders connected to organised crime in Sri Lanka.

President AKD in the run-up to last year’s Parliamentary Elections issued a challenge to the underworld and organised crime, saying: “Let’s lock horns and see what happens. We will put an end to the crime state (‘aparada raajyaya’).” Eight months later, six key organised crime leaders were arrested in Jakarta in Indonesia as a joint operation between Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Indonesian authorities. These organised crime leaders had been travelling overseas using fake identification papers. 

Following a recent report that these gang leaders had been apprehended in Malaysia, one of the leaders, Kehelbaddara Padme spoke to a Sri Lankan electronic media outlet from an undisclosed location saying they were in a cold country (‘seethala ratak’). However, local law enforcement managed to trace their latest location to Indonesia. 

A Police team including an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and the head of a Police division had left for Indonesia on 22 August. It is learnt that, prior to the arrest, the personnel from the Sri Lankan team together with a team from the Indonesian Police attired in civvies had monitored the group for several days. It has been revealed that the group had travelled between Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

It is also learnt that arrangements are being made to get the gang leaders repatriated to Sri Lanka and, according to reports, they are likely to be held at the CID until indictments are served.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala says that around 75 red warrants have been issued by Interpol on underworld and organised crime leaders who are overseas and that authorities have so far managed to arrest around 20 of them. 

Trump tariff saga

Meanwhile, the US trade tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on many countries including Sri Lanka took a new twist on Friday (29) and is currently facing a legal showdown within the US administration with a US court claiming that most tariffs issued by President Trump are illegal.

In a 7-4 decision, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit had reportedly rejected Trump’s argument that the tariffs were permitted under an International Emergency Economic Powers Act, calling them “invalid as contrary to law”. The ruling will, however, not take effect until 14 October to give the administration time to ask the Supreme Court (SC) to take up the case.

Trump has criticised the Appeals Court and its ruling on Truth Social, saying: “If allowed to stand, this decision would literally destroy the United States of America.”

“Today a highly partisan Appeals Court incorrectly said that our tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end,” he has stated.

The US trade tariffs on Sri Lanka will play a decisive role in the country’s economic recovery path as it directly affects the country’s expenditure and revenue targets. Sri Lanka is still negotiating with the US to sign and finalise a deal on reciprocal trade tariffs.

Gearing for UNHRC

Meanwhile, the JVP/NPP Government is also making the necessary preparations to face the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva next month.

Among the key moves by the Government is the announcement by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath during the last parliamentary session that steps to repeal the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will commence in September.

Another key move initiated by the Government is the statement by Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara that investigations will be reopened into more than 10,000 complaints of disappearances reported in the north and south before the year 2000.

He said at an event organised by the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances that new mechanisms would be introduced for the OMP and the Office for Reparations (OR) and that Cabinet approval had been obtained to begin these investigations, with an estimated allocation of Rs. 375 million.

String of arrests

However, as former President Wickremesinghe geared to return home from the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) in Colombo after being granted bail, several former Members of Parliament (MPs) as well as Opposition politicians were arrested and remanded on Friday (29). They include former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, who had been evading law enforcement authorities for nearly two months, and former MPs Nimal Lanza and Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera, who was also avoiding law enforcement authorities.

It is interesting to note that Wickremesinghe was remanded the previous Friday, and seeing last Friday’s turn of events, a senior Opposition politician said: “Seems like the Friday surprises have returned.” The reference to Friday surprises is in relation to the period of the 52-day constitutional coup during the ‘Yahapalana’ Government when then President Maithripala Sirisena was known to make key announcements on Fridays, resulting in Fridays being referred to as ‘Friday surprises’ by both Government and Opposition politicians at the time.

Senaratne was arrested and remanded until 9 September by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court after he was arrested at the Colombo High Court when he appeared before it on Friday (29).

Meanwhile, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had earlier submitted a motion before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court seeking an order to confiscate Senaratne’s assets when he was evading arrest.

Filing the motion before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka Bodaragama, the CIABOC had sought to confiscate assets worth Rs. 30 million in Colombo registered under Senaratne’s name. However, the motion was not granted and Senaratne appeared before the Colombo High Court on the given date.

Ven. Rathana Thera, who is being accused of abducting and intimidating another Buddhist monk in 2020 after the Parliamentary Elections, was arrested and remanded until 12 September after appearing before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.

Lanza was arrested and remanded by the Negombo Magistrate till 12 September over an assault case that had taken place in 2006. While being taken into the Black Maria, Lanza told the media that it was a case of political victimisation since the authorities had dragged in a 19-year-old case to remand him. Lanza’s counsel had also informed court that the two parties in the case had been in opposing political camps at the time of the incident and had since mended their relations after aligning with the same political camp.

RW goes home

Meanwhile, news of former President Wickremesinghe leaving the NHSL after being discharged made it to the public domain on Friday afternoon. Wickremesinghe, who was in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until the day after being granted bail, was transferred to a normal ward before being discharged a day later. 

Photographs of Wickremesinghe, looking somewhat frail but with a smile, leaving the hospital carrying a book – ‘Unleashed’ by Boris Johnson – were widely shared on social media. 

After being granted bail and after the court and Prison officers had received his signatures for the bail documents, Wickremesinghe had made one of his first telephone calls to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. Wickremesinghe had thanked Premadasa for rallying Opposition parties on his (Wickremesinghe’s) behalf. Premadasa for his part visited Wickremesinghe in hospital almost every day while the latter was receiving treatment.

Wickremesinghe’s office has already stated that he will address all who had stood by him and fought for his bail a few days after recovering at home under medical supervision.

Nevertheless, the recent revelation of Wickremesinghe’s medical condition in court resulted in outspoken senior Minister K.D. Lalkantha claiming that Wickremesinghe’s political career had been ended by his lawyers following their submissions to court seeking bail for him. 

“The details submitted by the lawyers have completely ended [the political career of] Wickremesinghe. This is evident by the medical reports presented in court, which the court has also accepted. This means that they are true. However, if Ranil Wickremesinghe had any future political plans, the lawyers have managed to put a complete stop to it,” Lalkantha claimed.

Post-arrest details

‘The Black Box’ learns that Wickremesinghe had faced quite a journey from the prison, to the Prison Hospital, and later to the ICU at the NHSL in Colombo following his arrest. 

After being taken into the New Magazine Prison, prison doctors had directed that Wickremesinghe be admitted to Ward No. 3 at the Welikada Prison Hospital. However, Prison authorities had expressed concern saying that there were close to 50 inmates already admitted to the relevant ward and that it would therefore be difficult to provide Wickremesinghe with the required security in the ward. 

After deliberations between the Prison authorities and the Prison Hospital doctors, they had reached a consensus to prepare the restroom of the Welikada Prison Hospital’s jailor to accommodate Wickremesinghe and provide him with the required treatment. 

However, the following morning, Wickremesinghe was taken to the NHSL for further checkup and medical tests. After first being admitted to a normal ward, Wickremesinghe was later admitted to the ICU until he was granted bail. 

Meanwhile, NHSL Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana told the media that Wickremesinghe was suffering from dehydration and could face risks of heart, kidney, or other complications if not properly treated.

When asked whether Wickremesinghe would be able to appear in court for his bail hearing on Tuesday (26), Dr. Bellana said: “How can a patient currently under intensive care appear in court?”

RW’s prison land

Meanwhile, United National Party (UNP) Chairman Wajira Abeywardena noted that the Welikada Prison was located on a 43-acre land that had belonged to Wickremesinghe’s ancestors and that it was sad to see the former President being taken to the prison set up on a land that belonged to his family.

Abeywardena claimed that he was in possession of copies of the original deed that was owned by Wickremesinghe’s ancestors.

Following a news conference in Colombo following the former President’s release on bail, the UNP Chairman distributed photocopies of the original deed among journalists who had attended the briefing. 

It is learnt that the land where the Welikada Prison is located had belonged to Wickremesinghe’s ancestors from his mother’s (Nalini Wickremesinghe nee Wijewardena) side. The land was owned by Wickremesinghe’s grandfather, D.R. Wijewardena’s father, Tudugalage Don Philip Wijewardena.

Tudugalage Don Philip Wijewardena had come to own the land after marrying Wewage Dona Helena Dep Weerasinghe (daughter of Wewage Arunolis Dep). Prior to belonging to Philip Wijewardena, the land had belonged to Wewage Arunolis Dep.

Special protection

Be that as it may, Wickremesinghe’s ancestral land, which currently houses the Welikada Prison Complex, is fast becoming a place to hold many Opposition politicians.

With the ongoing court cases, especially high-profile cases like that of Wickremesinghe, the Police has provided special security for State prosecutors. Key among them is Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Dileepa Peiris.

Peiris was provided with special security from Monday (25) after considering the current situation, according to the Police.

Dileepa’s concerns

Come Tuesday (26), all eyes in Colombo and even in the outstations were focused on Wickremesinghe’s bail hearing that was scheduled for that afternoon.

NHSL medical officers as well as Prison authorities by then had decided that Wickremesinghe was not able to attend court proceedings and decided for him to join the proceedings via Zoom.

At the outset of the hearing on Tuesday, ASG Peiris had expressed concerns over the security within the court premises during the case proceedings. He had told court that he had faced difficulties during the last court hearing due to disruptions and that parts of his submissions had also been recorded and released on social media.

Peiris had further noted that he could not get his junior by his side during the proceedings and that the legal team could not leave the court premises once the case proceedings had concluded that day. “It is a dangerous situation if we have to come to court in fear; it cannot be condoned.”

The ASG had also noted that the invitation letter presented by former President Wickremesinghe held no legal validity.

In his submissions denying bail for Wickremesinghe, Peiris had argued that the document in question could not be accepted as a legitimate legal instrument and had requested that bail not be granted to Wickremesinghe until the conclusion of the ongoing trial.

Revealing RW’s health

Appearing on behalf of Wickremesinghe, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratna had revealed Wickremesinghe’s medical condition in court. He had noted that Wickremesinghe was suffering from a life-threatening cardiac condition, with blocks in three out of four major coronary arteries, including one that was 100% blocked.

He had noted that surgical intervention was not possible due to the proximity of the blockage to the heart and that doctors had recommended treatment under close medical supervision.

In addition to the cardiac complications, Wickremesinghe is said to be also battling kidney disease, advanced diabetes, and a serious condition in the upper pancreas. The counsel had also noted that his sodium levels were critically low and that he had been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

It was further stated that his lungs were compromised, resulting in a weakened immune system and reduced immunity.

Premaratna had emphasised that Wickremesinghe’s condition was not just abnormal, but beyond abnormal, as he was afflicted with multiple serious illnesses simultaneously, posing a grave threat to his life.

Wickremesinghe’s counsel had urged the court to grant him bail since he did not pose any threat to the ongoing probe or case proceedings.

Lawyers clash

Meanwhile, a verbal argument had also taken place between the lawyers appearing for Wickremesinghe and the other lawyers who had gathered in the courtroom for the case. There were hundreds of lawyers who had appeared in support of Wickremesinghe in the case.

When ASG Peiris and Counsel Gunaratne Wanninayake were engaged in a verbal battle over the case, Premaratna had informed court that it was he and President’s Counsel Tilak Marapana who were appearing for Wickremesinghe in the case.

Wanninayake had then addressed the rest of the lawyers in the courtroom: “There are around 500 lawyers who have come here for the case. If we are not part of it, then let’s leave.” 

Seeing that the argument was not showing signs of abating, a group of lawyers in the room had intervened to stop the argument to make way for the case to proceed.

Opposition protest

Meanwhile, on Tuesday (26) morning, UNP Deputy Leader Dinendra Ruwan Wijewardene and General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale visited the Asgiriya Chapter in Kandy and apprised the Mahanayake on the ongoing case related to Wickremesinghe.

After the discussion, Wijewardene and Atukorale made their way directly to the Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Security was tightened around the Fort Magistrate’s Court from Tuesday morning, with roads leading to the court premises being restricted to lawyers and residents.

Police and Special Task Force personnel were deployed for security since Opposition parties had called on party members and supporters to gather to express support for Wickremesinghe.

While crowds started to gather in the roads leading to the court premises, Opposition political leaders also made their way to attend the proceedings.

Protesters on the roads continued to chant anti-Government and pro-Wickremesinghe slogans from around 1 p.m. until the case concluded.

During this protest, a Police officer sustained injuries after being struck by an object allegedly thrown by an Opposition supporter near the court premises. Video footage of the incident showed the bleeding Police officer being assisted by his colleagues.

Probe on protesters

Following the case, law enforcement authorities have commenced gathering information on individuals who had organised the protest outside the court premises on Tuesday as well as the key participants in it. Intelligence units have reportedly gathered and submitted details of around 20 individuals including Opposition politicians to the CID.

Meanwhile, a former Kalutara urban councillor was arrested in connection with the incident where a Police officer had been struck with an object during the protest.

The Police has said the former councillor had been taken into custody over his alleged involvement in the attack and that officials from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) had arrested the 52-year-old man in Kalutara and handed him over to the Slave Island Police.

Surgery for RW

Meanwhile, there is now much attention on Wickremesinghe’s medical condition. NHSL Deputy Director Dr. Bellana has told the media that specialist doctors have recommended that the former President should continue receiving treatment in the ICU for a few days.

Dr. Bellana has said that the recommendation had been made after the specialist doctors had examined the former President after being granted bail, noting that Wickremesinghe was no longer a detainee in prison custody and that he had the freedom to meet with his own doctor. 

“We don’t know whether that doctor is from the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, from another country, or from the private sector. However, he can now be referred to that doctor through the National Hospital. Beyond that, the National Hospital only provides emergency care. This isn’t something organised separately; it’s based on the referral from the Prison Hospital,” he has noted.

Dr. Bellana has also noted that Wickremesinghe’s medical condition had been revealed in a specialist report submitted to court. “This was revealed in yesterday’s (26) specialist report. He will likely need further treatment, possibly surgery. That surgery isn’t an emergency right now, but, ideally, it should be done soon for his own good. Otherwise, there could be risks. It’s best to proceed quickly to avoid those risks.”

When asked whether Wickremesinghe could govern the country if needed, due to his medical condition, Dr. Bellana has said: “One only needs brains to rule the country. Ranil Wickremesinghe suffers from noncommunicable diseases. He should be thankful to those who created this opportunity. With the necessary treatment, he will receive a new lease of life and can be youthful again.” 

Inquiry into Bellana

However, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni stated that a disciplinary inquiry had been launched against Dr. Bellana for making comments to the media regarding the health condition of former President Wickremesinghe.

Dr. Wijemuni confirmed to the media that Dr. Bellana’s statements to the media had not been authorised and that the Health Ministry had initiated internal proceedings into the matter.

Dr. Bellana meanwhile has maintained that Acting Director Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe had appointed the committee to examine Wickremesinghe’s condition and prepare the report to be submitted to court, but that there were social media campaigns targeting him.

Assassination plot

Meanwhile, a complaint was lodged with the CID last week in relation to a message circulated on social media about assassinating former President Wickremesinghe.

Former President Wickremesinghe was in remand custody when the social media post was circulated.

The complaint was filed with the CID by a group of persons, including former Kaduwela Pradeshiya Sabha member Prabath Dharshana, over a message on social media that had called for Wickremesinghe’s assassination while in hospital. 

Law enforcement authorities immediately took steps to increase the security provided to Wickremesinghe as well as to deploy special security to the NHSL.

Diga on the spot

Meanwhile, member of the SJB alliance and Opposition MP Palani Digambaram was put in a difficult position recently when he was asked why he, together with Opposition members, had shown political unity in support of former President Wickremesinghe, and had not shown such unity during the longstanding wage struggles of estate workers.

Digambaram had responded: “We have been continuously speaking about the wage issues of the estate community. But the problem lies with the companies that are supposed to pay.”

However, Digambaram was further asked whether discussions alone were sufficient to resolve the matter. The MP had then noted: “Yes, we are still talking. But talking is not the same as coming together. The companies must take responsibility — that’s the real issue.”

Opposition unites

Following Wickremesinghe’s arrest, a majority of Opposition parties united under the theme ‘Let’s defeat the constitutional dictatorship.’ The news conference organised by the joint Opposition was held last Sunday (24) at 10 a.m. at the Amari hotel in Colombo 3.

The briefing was led by former President Maithripala Sirisena and messages from former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (CBK) and Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) were read at the event.

Following Sirisena’s address, the message from CBK was read by UNP General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale. CBK had voiced strong concern over the arrest of former President Wickremesinghe, warning that it posed a serious threat to Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions.

She had noted that the move amounted to a calculated assault on the country’s democratic values, stressing that its implications extended far beyond one individual or political party and that the development endangered the rights of society as a whole. She had further urged all political leaders to resist such actions.

CBK had added that she joined in expressing her unreserved opposition to what she described as initiatives that undermined democracy and had to be opposed collectively.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said at the conference that former President MR also extended his support to the ongoing campaign.

Opposition leaders addressed the media and claimed that Wickremesinghe’s arrest was a case of political victimisation and vowed united action.

SJB absent

However, the main Opposition SJB was not represented at the press conference and the SJB’s Kavinda Jayawardana, who attended the briefing, claimed that he was not representing the party and was attending only in his capacity as an Opposition parliamentarian.

It is learnt that the press conference of the joint Opposition parties was first discussed to be held at Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road, Colombo 7 office. The SJB had, however, objected to it saying that the conference needed to be held at a neutral venue.

UNP Deputy Leader Wijewardene and the team, who were working to rally the Opposition parties, had then decided to hold the press conference at Amari hotel. SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara had said he would attend it but had failed to do so.

At the time of the news briefing, Opposition and SJB Leader Premadasa visited Wickremesinghe at the NHSL and addressed the media outside the hospital.

Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake had also visited Wickremesinghe at the hospital that morning.

The SJB meanwhile issued a statement strongly condemning former President Wickremesinghe’s arrest, calling it a planned political conspiracy. The party said the arrest, publicised on a pro-Government social media account, challenged the rule of law and exposed what it claimed was the Government’s hidden agenda to establish a one-party state.

Northern Tamils missing

Tamil political parties representing the Northern and Eastern Provinces were also not present at the joint Opposition press conference.

However, former Parliamentarian and Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) Acting General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran, PC had stated that while heads of State must be prosecuted for serious crimes committed during their tenure, the arrest of former President Wickremesinghe on a Friday and the decision to oppose bail appeared ill-advised.

Sumanthiran had further stressed that no one was above the law, but had noted that the timing and insistence on refusing bail for the alleged offence disclosed to court raised questions. 

Ruwan meets Sajith

Meanwhile, amidst the press briefing last Sunday held by leaders of Opposition political parties, UNP Deputy Leader Wijewardene had to leave the premises midway to meet with Premadasa.

It is learnt that the discussion between the duo had been successful, with Premadasa saying he would support the ongoing campaign.

Wijewardene had also asked Premadasa to take the lead in the joint Opposition initiative as the Leader of the Opposition and the duo had engaged in a very cordial discussion. The UNP Deputy Leader had also noted that he and the party would attend a meeting convened by Premadasa to form a joint Opposition platform to support Wickremesinghe as well as to fight against moves to suppress dissent.

Sajith meets Opposition

Following the discussion with Wijewardene, Premadasa called for a meeting with Opposition party leaders on Monday (25) at the Opposition Leader’s Office at No. 30, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7. All parties that attended Sunday’s news briefing were present at the Opposition Leader’s Office.

The SJB’s Tissa Attanayake and the UNP’s Wijewardene and Atukorale sat alongside Premadasa at the discussion.

Premadasa had said former President Wickremesinghe’s arrest was not an isolated incident but a serious challenge to democratic politics.

He had further stressed the importance of all Opposition parties uniting to face this challenge, announcing plans for both short- and long-term strategies. He also appointed a committee with party secretaries to coordinate future actions.

Former President Sirisena, addressing the gathering, had said the two main priorities were securing Wickremesinghe’s release and safeguarding democracy. He had urged all parties to set aside political differences and act together.

All who had attended the meeting had said they would also be present at the Fort Magistrate’s Court the following day for the case.

The meeting concluded with an agreement for Opposition parties to reconvene on Wednesday (27) at the Opposition Leader’s office. 

Wednesday meeting

Once again on Wednesday (27), the joint Opposition parties met at the Opposition Leader’s office and discussed Wickremesinghe’s bail and the probes being launched on individuals who had opposed Wickremesinghe’s remanding. It had then been decided to appoint a legal team to deal with cases of political victimisations, the Opposition Leader’s office said. 

It was decided to appoint former MP Chandima Weerakkody to oversee the coordination of this legal committee. Former MPs Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Saman Ratnapriya were appointed to coordinate a collective body of all political parties to face such threats of suppression of dissent.

It had been emphasised at the meeting that a continuous joint programme must be put in place to face the challenges faced by democracy in the country.

Premadasa had also thanked all parties that had joined forces to fight for justice for former President Wickremesinghe.

The SLPP, however, did not participate in Wednesday’s meeting at the Opposition Leader’s Office. 

When asked about the meeting and absence of some parties, SJB MP Nalin Bandara noted: “A marriage doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time. We are still in the initial stages.”

Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dasanayake said after the meeting that Premadasa’s planetary positions seemed to be placed in a manner favourable to him when Wickremesinghe was remanded. 

Another meeting of the joint Opposition was scheduled for Friday (29).

Friday meeting

During last Friday’s meeting at the Opposition Leader’s Office, Opposition Leader Premadasa noted that the SJB was one of the first parties to have complained about fraud and corruption and sought probes. “We will therefore not oppose any probe into such matters. However, we will not allow the suppression of dissent and threats to freedom of expression under the guise of an anti-corruption drive,” he explained.

While many Opposition members discussed the future course of action by the joint Opposition, many members who had attended the meeting had to quickly leave the premises after hearing that Senaratne and Lanza were being arrested. Some of them had attended the court proceedings of the arrested former politicians.

Defending past comments

Meanwhile, Premadasa recently responded to a question about his relationship with Wickremesinghe. It is no secret that Wickremesinghe and Premadasa have had the most troubled relationship from Premadasa’s time in the UNP until his defection and formation of the SJB.

When a journalist questioned Premadasa on why he had visited hospital daily to see Wickremesinghe despite the latter’s past criticism during the Presidential Election, Premadasa said: “What is said during an election campaign is different from the issues we are facing now. This is a separate matter.”

When asked why the Opposition was “complaining” about law enforcement, Premadasa responded firmly: “Complaining? Do we not have the right to speak? This is a democratic country. What we are demanding is that everything be done with justice and fairness.”

Bimal speaks of RW

Meanwhile, Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake referring to Wickremesinghe’s case stated that the former President should have been arrested 40 years ago for far more serious allegations levelled against him.

“There are arguments that the accusations behind his recent arrest are trivial; that’s true. However, his Government in 1977 unleashed massive post-election violence. Ranil (Wickremesinghe) and JR (Jayewardene) were responsible for that and should have been arrested at that time,” he has said.

The Minister has further stated that Wickremesinghe should have been held accountable for his role in the Cabinet of Ministers during key incidents in the early 1980s, including the burning of the Jaffna Library in 1981 and the July 1983 riots.

“Between 1987 and 1990, more than 60,000 people were killed under his Government. He is also facing charges related to the Batalanda torture house, for which investigations are still ongoing through the Attorney General. He should have been arrested for this, but no arrest was made,” Rathnayake has added during a statement to the media.

Presidential expenditure

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, clarifying presidential expenditure on personal travel undertaken by an executive president, noted that a visit overseas and travelling to a place within the country for personal needs could not be compared.

He said during the Cabinet media briefing last week: “Attending a funeral in Sri Lanka or going to any other place within the country cannot be compared with reserving seats on a flight and travelling. That is wrong.”

Asked if a president could not use the official vehicle and security when attending to personal matters, Herath has said that the private visit of former President Wickremesinghe to the UK using public funds was wrong. He explained that even State sector employees were given provisions under a particular system to use vehicles for their personal needs.

“These are provisions made under circulars. Here the question is about misusing public funds,” the Minister had said.

Herath had added that the investigation into the misuse of public funds by former President Wickremesinghe had been based on a complaint and witness testimonies of a number of people.

The new ‘BR’

Meanwhile, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara claimed that there was a ‘BR’ in the incumbent Government like the ‘BR’ during the previous Rajapaksa Governments.

Jayasekara’s reference to BR in the former Rajapaksa Governments is to Basil Rajapaksa. He claimed during a joint Opposition news briefing that it was the ‘BR’ in the incumbent Government who was behaving like the previous BR and causing many issues.

NPP lawyers’ defence

Lawyers associated with the JVP/NPP meanwhile held a press conference last Sunday (24) in response to the joint Opposition news briefing supporting Wickremesinghe. The JVP/NPP lawyers asserted that the Opposition was attempting to undermine the ongoing judicial process relating to Wickremesinghe’s arrest.

President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma has told the media that the Opposition’s repeated public remarks amount to contempt of court and create public distrust in the Judiciary. He has noted that Wickremesinghe is facing charges under the Penal Code and the Public Property Act over the misuse of more than £ 44,000 in State funds for a private trip to the UK during his tenure, including the attendance at his wife’s graduation ceremony.

Kumarapperuma has stressed that any misuse of public funds above Rs. 25,000 is considered a criminal offence and that suspects can be remanded until the trial is concluded unless exceptional grounds for bail are presented under the Public Property Act. He has argued that the case involves an amount exceeding Rs. 18 million in local currency, making the charges serious and legally justified.

Attorney Hemaka Senanayake meanwhile addressing the media has added that if the Opposition disagreed with the Magistrate’s ruling, the proper course of action was to appeal in higher courts and not to launch public campaigns that discredit judicial independence.

Info Dept. steps in

Meanwhile, the Department of Government Information also released four explanatory videos on the imprisonment of former President Wickremesinghe.

These clarifications were presented from different perspectives: sociological explanation – University of Kelaniya Department of Mass Communication Head Dr. Manoj Jinadasa, religious and reconciliation perspective – Office for National Unity and Reconciliation Board Member Ven. Omare Punyasiri Thera, legal explanation – senior legal academic Prof. Prathiba Mahanamahewa, and media/sociological perspective – journalist Nandana Weeraratne. 

Police reveals details

Speaking on behalf of the Police investigation, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Kalinga Jayasinghe meanwhile has stated that the investigators had found that Wickremesinghe’s two-day trip to London on 22–23 September 2023 had been initially recorded as a private visit despite being financed with State funds.

The delegation included Wickremesinghe, his wife Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, his Private Secretary Sandra Perera, two Foreign Ministry officials, Wickremesinghe’s personal doctor, and four members of the President’s Security Division.

The President’s Office and the Foreign Ministry had corresponded with the Sri Lankan High Commission in London to facilitate the visit, the Police has said. The Police has further noted that although there are records of the official engagements in Cuba and the US, the UK programme itinerary had listed no official engagements.

According to the Police, Sri Lanka’s High Commission in the UK had billed Sri Lanka £ 40,445 (about Rs. 16,207,573) for travel, accommodation, vehicle rental, and other expenses for Wickremesinghe, the First Lady, and the Private Secretary. DIG Jayasinghe had further noted to the media that this figure did not include airfare, as it was a trip made while the former President was on official State business.

An additional Rs. 3.2 million had been spent on the doctor and security officers, according to records from the President’s Office.

YouTuber’s prediction

Meanwhile, the role played by a third party – a YouTuber in this case – in announcing Wickremesinghe’s arrest and remand days prior to the court proceedings continues to be a talking point. The Government has vowed action against the relevant YouTuber as well.

Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has meanwhile stated that similar predictions had been made previously. He had cited an instance where journalist Victor Ivan had also commented on a court decision in advance.

“Depending on how some cases proceed, anyone can make predictions. Some may think bail will be granted, some may think it won’t. These are like guesses – sometimes they turn out to be right, sometimes wrong. But if anyone suggests that such predictions are influenced, that will amount to contempt of court,” Jayatissa has added.

BASL weighs in

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) meanwhile has expressed concern over recent social media comments and predictions by individuals and YouTubers on judicial decisions, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system.

The BASL issued a statement last week noting that such remarks targeted matters under the purview of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Judiciary, both independent institutions. The JSC, comprising the Chief Justice and two senior Supreme Court justices, oversees appointments, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary control of High Court judges and other judicial officers.

The association has stressed that the independence of the Judiciary must be safeguarded from external interference, cautioning that public posts and commentaries attempting to influence outcomes of cases threaten due process.

According to the BASL, perpetrators of such interference can face legal consequences under Article 111(C)(1) and (2) of the Constitution, which provides penal provisions against interference with the Judiciary.

Withdrawing security

Meanwhile, reports on several social media platforms noted that security provided to the controversial YouTuber who had predicted Wickremesinghe’s arrest and remand had been withdrawn.

The relevant YouTuber had previously been granted protection after filing a complaint with the Police, claiming threats to his life.

However, the protection was withdrawn following Intelligence reports that had concluded that there was no credible threat to his safety.

RW’s India visit

Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe’s incarceration resulted in him being unable to attend the India-Sri Lanka Youth Conference that commenced in India last Sunday (24), which he had intended to attend as the Chief Guest.

The four-day youth event took place in Hyderabad and Coimbatore titled ‘Rising together: Youth for 2047 & 2048.’ The event went on until Wednesday (27). Commonwealth Youth Council Vice Chair Gurdit Singh Vohra had written to Wickremesinghe’s Private Secretary Perera requesting approval of a revised itinerary for his participation.

Fake news galore

Meanwhile, amidst the Wickremesinghe arrest saga, another trend that was witnessed was the increase in misinformation and disinformation campaigns, mostly on social media as well as some electronic media.

One such news item stated that a senior member of the Government had visited Wickremesinghe in hospital, implying that it was Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister’s Office rejected the news report, which was aired by an electronic media outlet.

Issuing a clarification, officials from the Prime Minister’s Office had stated that the report, which claimed that the Premier had visited the hospital along with former First Lady Maithri Wickramasinghe, was not true.  

The Prime Minister’s Office had further expressed regret that such a false news report had been published. While Amarasuriya had challenged those spreading false news to prove that she had visited Wickremesinghe in hospital, the Police has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into the false report following a complaint by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Meanwhile, another news item that did the rounds on social media was that Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof had resigned last Sunday.

However, Yusoof refuted the reports, stating that they were baseless and untrue.

Issuing a statement, Yusoof said he stood firm in his commitment to the President’s vision. “I have dedicated myself fully to the mission of rebuilding our nation, without pause or hesitation,” he added.

Rejecting RTI

Meanwhile, an incident where the President’s Office had refused to release information on the President’s domestic travel following a request made under the Right to Information (RTI) Act drew much criticism on social media.

Responding to an RTI request submitted on 4 August, the Presidential Secretariat has reportedly refused to release information regarding President AKD’s domestic travel.

The secretariat, in its response dated 27 August, had reportedly stated that the request had been rejected under Section 5(1)(b)(i) of the RTI Act, on the grounds that the details sought were directly relevant to security-sensitive information concerning the President.

The letter, addressed to one Jinath Premaratne, had further noted that under Section 31(1) of the act, an appeal could be filed within 14 days. Such appeals should be directed to Senior Additional Secretary to the President K. Prasanna Chandith at the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo.

The response had been issued by Information Officer and Senior Additional Secretary to the President G.G.S.C. Roshan.

Probes on two ex-Presidents

Meanwhile, it is learnt that authorities are currently conducting probes on two former Presidents.

One probe is related to the abduction of an individual while the other is related to the Easter Sunday attacks.

Following Wickremesinghe’s arrest and remanding, legal action and even the incarceration of former presidents over cases from the past have now become a possibility.

SC concludes hearing

Amidst last week’s political drama, the Supreme Court on Monday (25) heard the Petitioners challenging the constitutionality of the bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No.4 of 1986. The three-Judge bench comprised Chief Justice P. Padman Surasena as well as Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath B. Abayakoon.

Counsel N.K. Ashokbharan had appeared for the Petitioner in SC SD 23/2025 and President’s Counsel Eraj de Silva had appeared for the Petitioners in SC SD 24/2025 and SC SD 25/202 whilst President’s Counsel Ali Sabry had appeared for the Petitioners in the other matters. Senior Additional Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne, PC had represented the Attorney General. 

The Petitioners had argued that the bill to repeal the Presidents’ Entitlements Act contravened multiple constitutional provisions, specifically Articles 1, 3, 4, 11, 12, 14, and 36 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

Sabry had opened his submissions by emphasising the retrospective nature of the bill’s provisions, arguing that entitlements already conferred under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act would be retroactively withdrawn.

Ashokbharan, drawing comparisons with the Indian Constitution, had contended that the Presidents’ Entitlements Act gave substantive meaning to Article 36 of the Constitution. He had argued that repealing the act required a referendum, as sovereignty lay with the people under Article 4 of the Constitution.

President’s Counsel de Silva had cited Alexander Hamilton’s essay in ‘The Federalist Papers No. 73’ (published 21 March 1788), which advocated fixed presidential salaries and allowances to safeguard the separation of powers. 

He had emphasised that separation of powers, a principle explored by philosophers including Locke and Montesquieu, needed to be preserved and had argued that the proposed bill would make the Executive beholden to the Legislature, which would result in a situation where the Executive would have to look elsewhere in order to safeguard its retirement, which would lead to undesirable consequences. 

He had further argued that the bill violated the Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Articles 10, 11, and 12, and further that the bill had the effect of suspending a part of the Constitution and hence could not be passed at all.

The court had directed all parties to file written submissions by Thursday (28) and that the determination would be communicated to the Speaker.

No pension cut

The Attorney General had meanwhile informed the Supreme Court that the proposed Presidents’ Entitlements Bill did not seek to remove the pension rights granted to former presidents under the Constitution.

It had been pointed out that what had been proposed was to curtail the additional privileges provided to former presidents and their widows under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act No.4 of 1986.

New Police division

Meanwhile, the Police was looking at setting up a new division dedicated to investigating properties acquired through criminal activities, DIG of Police for Western Province (North) Nishantha Soysa had reportedly stated.

He has told a special media briefing that the unit would be launched under the provisions of the recently passed law on properties derived from crime. The division is to be called the Police Criminal Investigation on Derived Property (PCID) and is expected to be inaugurated under the Inspector General of Police in line with Police Day celebrations.

According to reports, the Police has already taken possession of assets valued at Rs. 4.5 billion linked to organised criminals through special operations. These include buildings, houses, vehicles, land, gold jewellery, boats, and cash amounting to Rs. 57 million, which have been frozen under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

ICCPR probe on Udaya

Meanwhile, the CID informed the Fort Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday (27) that an investigation had been initiated under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act against former Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

According to the CID, the inquiry was launched over an alleged statement made by Gammanpila that could incite disharmony among communities. However, the specific remarks said to have been made by Gammanpila were not disclosed during the court proceedings.