• Bimal says country got over $ 1 billion in FDI under AKD presidency; Ravi cautions over reserve targets
• USTR delegation meets AKD, discusses US trade tariffs on SL; AKD notes economic crisis, US notes deals
• Vijitha notes Govt. obligation to human rights at UNHRC; toned-down fresh draft resolution distributed
• ITAK expresses disappointment over Govt. response; Vijitha meets with HR High Commissioner Türk
• Slashing ex-presidents’ entitlements sees 1 Opposition MP supporting, 1 Opposition MP voting against
• MR refuses to accept homes from well-wishers or live with children; decides to return to Tangalle
• Speculation over Chinese envoy’s meeting with MR before leaving Wijerama, especially over card given
• Chinese envoy meets RW the next day, explains handing over of invite for Chinese National Day to MR
• Crowds throng to Carlton House, Tangalle to greet MR; SLPPers looking at the next ‘Mahinda Sulanga’
• Govt. says slashing privileges not targeting MR alone; Ananda reveals expenses, support to ex-presidents
• Over 100 staff for MR, over 60 for GR; Rs. 98.5 m spent in 2024 on benefits; MS leaves official residence
• CBK recovering from surgery and requests few weeks to move; house already taken on rent in Colombo
• Speaker’s decision not to accept Opposition’s no-faith motion creates a stir, Erskine May in the House
• Opposition disrupts sittings over Bimal’s ‘lapai sipai’ talk; SJB moves to discuss no faith in Speaker
• Discovery of ice manufacturing process becomes hot topic; links drawn between Padme and politicos
• Sunil accuses Namal of having links with drug dealers; Namal hits back with LOD demanding Rs. 1 b 
• Social media campaign targets SLPP; Namal asks if AKD had links with Easter attacks due to Ibrahim link
• Sagara says Bimal’s hometown Middeniya is where ice containers were; questions release of containers
• Bimal says Namal planning on becoming prez of Iceland; Mujibur notes containers released sans checks
• UNP decides to continue collaboration with SJB; Sajith meets ex-MPs from SJB and UNP, discusses issues
• SJB Working Committee decides to appoint permanent disciplinary comm., gets tough on discipline
• Ruwan and Co. organise ‘dansala’ to invoke blessings on RW, says RW will enter House at the right time
• Rajitha granted bail, says read many books in prison; like RW, gets down from prison bus carrying books
• No bail for Shasheendra suffering from sleep apnoea; CID informs court that no plan to arrest Udaya yet

The political crisis that unfolded in Nepal throughout last week, initiated by Gen Z activists over a social media ban and years of corruption in governance, resulted in many comparisons being drawn between Sri Lanka’s ‘Aragalaya’ people’s protests in 2022 and the protest in Nepal. 

Following Sri Lanka’s ‘Aragalaya,’ similar protests erupted in Bangladesh and now in Nepal, resulting in the Government in power at the time in all these countries being ousted from office. However, a clear difference between the people’s protests in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal was that unlike in the case of Sri Lanka, there were civilian deaths reported in both Bangladesh and Nepal.

Tension erupted in Kathmandu, Nepal on Monday (8) and Tuesday (9), as hundreds of youngsters took to the streets to protest against corruption, with Monday’s agitation leaving 19 people dead. While demanding Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation, protesters defied curbs on public gatherings and reportedly burnt tyres to block roads from the early hours of the morning in Kalanki. Foreign media reported that the protesters had set the Nepal Parliament building as well as houses owned by politicians and the Nepal Supreme Court in Kathmandu on fire.

After the situation was brought under control by the military, Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki took oaths as the interim Prime Minister in a ceremony at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, on Friday (12) night. Karki also became the first woman Prime Minister of the country.

Be that as it may, the emerging pattern witnessed in South Asia as well as in several Southeast Asian countries where people’s protests continue to push for overhauls in the existing governance systems serve as warnings for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Government on how carefully they must tread the path of governance. The impatience and high-strung emotions of Gen Z added to the disillusionment of the masses will be a force to reckon with.

It is therefore important for President AKD and his Government, while pursuing the path of ‘catching rogues,’ to also ensure that the rest of the promises made during the two key election campaigns last year are upheld and the country’s economy is pushed from stability to a growth trajectory.

AKD’s FDIs

It is in such a backdrop that Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake said last week in Parliament that Sri Lanka had received $ 1 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the first year of AKD’s presidency.

Rathnayake has said that agreements have been signed with other countries, considering several sectors, including economy, education, and culture. “From last October to today, Sri Lanka has received $ 1.015 billion in FDI. These are not agreements signed or pledged, but funds that have been realised,” he has added.

However, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ravi Karunanayake has cautioned that Sri Lanka’s plan to raise foreign reserves to $ 7.2 billion by December under the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) could place additional burdens on households and small businesses. 

The MP has noted that official reserves stood at $ 6.1 billion at the end of August, leaving $ 1.1 billion to be built up within four months. Karunanayake has further questioned whether the increase would come from exports, tourism, remittances, and FDI, or from short-term borrowing and speculative inflows that he warned could create a “reserve illusion”.

Therefore, the JVP/NPP Government’s 2026 Budget by President AKD, which is to be presented on 7 November, followed by the Budget debate from 8 November to 5 December, will play a decisive role in the country’s economic revival path.

Talks on tariffs

Meanwhile, a delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was in Colombo last week to further discuss the US’s reciprocal trade tariffs with Sri Lanka. While US President Donald Trump has made a considerable reduction in the tariffs imposed on Sri Lanka from the initial tariff, the two countries are continuing negotiations to finalise and sign the deal with Sri Lanka.

President AKD met with the USTR delegation last Thursday (11). During the meeting, the heads of the USTR, while commending Sri Lanka on its economic recovery path, had also commended the delegation appointed by the Sri Lankan Government to negotiate the US trade tariffs on Sri Lanka. 

AKD had noted that Sri Lanka was a small economy in recovery and had emphasised that even minor external shocks could have a considerable impact on the nation. He had further stated that in moving forward with trade negotiations, all such factors should be considered.

The USTR had drawn attention to the assistance extended by the US towards Sri Lanka’s economic affairs to date and to potential trade agreements expected to be developed between the two countries in the future.

The USTR delegation included Director for South Asia Emily Ashby, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, US Embassy in Colombo Economic and Commercial Officer Daniel Jackson, and the Embassy’s Political and Economic Counsellor Anthony Pirnot.

AKD, Harini outward bound

While Sri Lanka continues its negotiations with the US on trade tariffs, both President AKD and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya are to engage with several key members of the international community in the coming weeks.

President AKD is to undertake two official visits this month. They are to attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and a visit to Japan. During his visit to New York, the President is also expected to meet with several heads of states on the sidelines of the UNGA.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya meanwhile is expected to travel to China next month.

Govt.’s commitment

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath meanwhile was in Geneva, Switzerland last week to address the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) while also responding to the latest report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Herath said at the session that accountability for alleged mass atrocities would only be pursued through domestic processes alone. “The Government is opposed to any external mechanism imposed on us, such as the Sri Lanka Accountability Project, which serves to create divisions and complicate the national reconciliation process,” the Foreign Minister noted, while urging the UNHRC to recognise progress made in less than a year and to provide Sri Lanka the “time and space” to continue reforms.

He further assured the UNHRC that the Sri Lankan Government was committed to reconciliation, human rights, and democratic reforms through national institutions, adopting a conciliatory stance towards international partners even while firmly defending the country’s sovereignty against external accountability mechanisms. “We are firmly and genuinely committed to working towards a country that respects and celebrates the diversity of its people,” Herath noted.

The Sri Lankan Government also issued a statement reiterating its commitment to advancing transformative reforms through domestic processes while rejecting calls for international interventions outlined in the latest report by the OHCHR.

The Government has acknowledged the opportunity identified by the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka to implement reforms that would strengthen the rights and well-being of all citizens. However, it has stressed that such progress requires adequate space and time, free from external interference.

“Sri Lanka observes that external initiatives will only serve as hindrances to ongoing national efforts and risk polarising the population,” the statement has noted, adding that the Government does not agree with the conclusions and recommendations of the OHCHR report regarding international action.

Reaffirming its position, the Government of Sri Lanka has stated that it has the mandate and sincere commitment to building a nation that respects and celebrates the diversity of its people without divisions or discrimination based on race, religion, class, or caste.

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, 43 countries spoke during the interactive dialogue, including Kuwait on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, the Philippines, Japan, Lao PDR, Thailand, Vanuatu, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nepal, India, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, China, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Türkiye, Belarus, Egypt, Venezuela, the Maldives, Cuba, South Sudan, Sudan, the Russian Federation, and Burundi.

These countries had welcomed Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with the UNHRC and the High Commissioner’s visit as a sign of the country’s enhanced cooperation with the council; acknowledged the significant developments and tangible progress, including ongoing legislative reforms in the country and encouraged the HRC and international community to support Sri Lanka in its nationally-owned processes; questioned the allocation of resources to the external mechanism in Sri Lanka when vital mandates in the council risked being unfulfilled due to resource constraints; emphasised that externally imposed parallel processes risked polarisation; stated that imposition of country-specific mechanisms on targeted countries undermined the HRC’s founding principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity; expressed concerns at the double standards, politicisation, and instrumentalisation of human rights to interfere in the internal affairs of countries; and underlined the importance of constructive dialogue and cooperation within the council to reach productive results in the promotion of human rights.

A special meeting was also held between UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Minister Herath.

ITAK critical

However, the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has responded to the statement made by Foreign Minister Herath at the UNHRC, stating that the party is deeply disappointed by the Government’s response.

The ITAK has criticised the Government’s failure to fulfil promises on accountability and reconciliation, highlighting the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) despite assurances of repeal. 

“It is a matter of regret that having taken a firm position not to enact any new law to replace the PTA, the Minister now says that a new counter-terrorism legislation will be introduced. The PTA continues to be used despite calls and assurances for a moratorium on its use until its repeal. Similarly, no steps have been taken to repeal the Online Safety Act. The Minister’s statement that external action will serve to create divisions and jeopardise national processes is hugely problematic; so is his opposition to the Sri Lanka Accountability Project.”

The statement added: “A decade and a half after the conclusion of the armed conflict, there has been no internal mechanism for accountability whatsoever. It is in this background that it is only natural for the victims to look for international involvement.”

The ITAK has also condemned delays in Provincial Council Elections and has called for immediate support for a private member’s bill to restore the franchise of Tamil-speaking communities in the north and east.

It has further commended India for its role in pushing for meaningful devolution of power: “We note and thank the Government of India for reiterating the call for meaningful devolution and its support to the aspiration of the Tamil community for equality, justice, dignity, and peace. India has also called for the early conduct of Provincial Council Elections and meaningful devolution of powers.”

Fresh resolution

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Core Group – comprising Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the UK – has presented a fresh draft resolution on Sri Lanka titled ‘Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability, and Human Rights in Sri Lanka.’ The new draft resolution builds on previous UNHRC actions and reflects growing international concern over unresolved human rights violations, governance failures, and the need for inclusive democratic reform in the country.

The draft circulated in Geneva last week has acknowledged “with appreciation the Government’s commitment to establish an independent public prosecutorial body” and “encourages the Government to consider the creation of a judicial mechanism with an independent special counsel in relation to the cases of human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law committed in previous decades”.

It has further called upon “the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure the prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation and, if warranted, prosecution of all alleged crimes… including for long-standing emblematic cases, with the full participation of victims and their representatives”.

The draft also “urges the Government to proactively seek international support to ensure sufficient financial, human, and technical resources to conduct exhumations in line with international standards,” acknowledging the identification of multiple mass gravesites across the island, including in Chemmani where more than 240 skeletal remains have been unearthed in recent weeks.

However, while backing the Sri Lankan Government’s domestic initiatives, the draft has extended the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner, including the Sri Lanka Accountability Project, which has reportedly built a vast repository of more than 100,000 pieces of evidence intended for future prosecutions.

It further “requests the office to present an oral update to the council at its 61st and 64th sessions, a written update at its 63rd session, and a comprehensive report on progress in reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka at its 66th session”.

The resolution is to be taken up for adoption this week.

Slashing privileges

Meanwhile, the JVP/NPP Government moved ahead with one of its key electoral pledges to slash the privileges offered to former presidents at public expense. Accordingly, the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill was passed in Parliament with a majority of 150 votes with 151 votes in favour and one vote against the legislation on Wednesday (10).

Ramanathan Archchuna was the only Opposition MP to vote in favour of the bill while Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dasanayake was the only legislator to vote against it.

The Government did not waste any time in enacting the legislation, with Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne endorsing the certification on the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill on Wednesday evening itself, thereby converting the repeal bill into law.

The Speaker had on Tuesday (9) announced to the House that the Supreme Court had determined that no provision of the proposed bill was inconsistent with the Constitution and that as such, the bill could be enacted with a simple majority of Parliament. The Speaker had further said that the Supreme Court had rejected the petition filed challenging the bill on the grounds that it had failed to comply with the mandatory provisions of Article 121(1) of the Constitution, invoking the jurisdiction of the court.

Following the Speaker’s announcement, the Business Committee of Parliament decided to debate the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill the following day, Wednesday.

Not targeting MR

The quick push by the Government to debate and adopt the proposed piece of legislation resulted in questions being posed by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) on whether the urgency was to get former President Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) out of his official residence on Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo 7.

Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa however clarified that the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill was not introduced targeting former President MR. He responded to a question at the weekly briefing on the date when former President MR would be asked to leave his official residence, saying that the Cabinet decision was to draft the relevant bill to cover all former presidents and their spouses and not a single individual in particular.

Jayatissa noted that the relevant piece of legislation, once enacted, would be effective in relation to all former presidents.

MR’s house hunt

However, when the news that the debate on the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill was taking place on Wednesday came out, senior SLPPers and members of the Rajapaksa family had convened at MR’s Wijerama Mawatha residence to discuss the next steps.

MR, it is learnt, had said that he had no intention to continue residing in his official residence and that he would move out as soon as the bill was passed in Parliament. The next question was where he would move to after leaving the official residence.

It is also learnt that several senior SLPPers as well as well-wishers had started to offer alternate housing facilities fit for a former president to MR, but he had declined their offers. The former President had told the senior SLPPers and family members that he had no intention of imposing on anyone, including his children and their families.  

“I will go back to my home in my hometown. That’s what I want to do,” MR had said, while directing everyone to make the necessary arrangements for him to vacate the house.

Several senior SLPPers had questioned how MR would manage his medical appointments and treatments in Colombo if he moved to Tangalle. The former President had responded saying that he could manage and that it could be looked into when such a need arose.

President AKD had on an earlier occasion stated that MR’s official residence in Colombo carried a monthly rental value of more than Rs. 4.6 million.

Former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (CBK) will also be required to leave their official homes under the new law.

Ananda’s revelation

Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala made a revealing statement in Parliament when he detailed the extensive support provided to former presidents, citing that MR had been assigned 111 personnel, including nine medical staff, eight drivers, two clerks, five mechanical staff, one naval aide, 46 special operations personnel, 16 chefs, 26 electricians, four civil engineers, four technical engineers, two storekeepers, three physical trainers, one carpenter, and one dog handler.

Wijepala also noted that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (GR) had been provided with over 60 personnel, including three medical assistants, one maintenance technician, six drivers, five clerks, eight security officers, 13 support staff, eight chefs, three technical specialists, one fitness trainer, six special professionals, and one dog handler. 

The Minister has further revealed that under the entitlements law, the Government had spent Rs. 98.5 million in 2024 on benefits for retired Presidents and their widows. 

The breakdown includes former First Lady Hema Premadasa – Rs. 2.687 million, former President CBK – Rs. 16.43 million, former President MR – Rs. 54.62 million, former President Sirisena – Rs. 15.77 million, former President GR – Rs. 12.28 million, and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe – Rs. 3.49 million.

MR leaves for Tangalle

MR and his wife Shiranthi left the Wijerama Mawatha residence at around 1.25 p.m. on Thursday (11). The time given for MR to leave the residence according to auspicious times was prior to 1.30 p.m. 

A string of former ministers and MPs as well as a foreign envoy visited MR at his official residence prior to his departure along with members of the Rajapaksa family. 

When leaving the residence MR was seen smiling and waving at the crowds that were gathered at the residence at the time. Shiranthi, upon being asked for a comment by the media, said with a smile that she did not speak to the media, but only did the work required of her. MR was then seen tapping Shiranthi’s shoulder, requesting her not to speak any further.

However, once in Tangalle on their way to Carlton House, MR and Shiranthi were welcomed by a large crowd, many expressing their happiness with their return. MR, supported by his aides, had to wade through the crowds into the house where Buddhist monks were prepared to chant pirith.

SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa posted on X that his father had once again returned to where it had all begun, referring to the long and arduous political path undertaken by MR.

Another ‘Sulanga’ anticipated

However, some political analysts have likened MR’s return to Carlton House to what had transpired in 2015 when he was defeated at the Presidential Election.

Following his defeat, MR returned to his ancestral home in Medamulana where he addressed the large gathering through a window. This address resulted in many people lining up on the roads to meet the former President. Witnessing this development, a group of politicians like Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila met MR and insisted that he return to active politics. 

Finally, a campaign called ‘Mahinda Sulanga’ was launched with an inaugural rally in February 2015 in Nugegoda and then conducted islandwide. This campaign eventually resulted in the formation of the SLPP and the start of a new political path.

This time around, it is yet to be seen whether MR’s return to Carlton House will result in another ‘Mahinda Sulanga’ from Tangalle.

Sirisena leaves, CBK seeks time

Meanwhile, it is learnt that former President Maithripala Sirisena has taken steps to vacate his official residence on Hector Kobbekaduwa Mawatha in Colombo. 

However, former President CBK has requested about two or three weeks to hand over her official residence on Independence Avenue in Colombo 7. Her office has stated that CBK is recovering after surgery following an injury she had sustained due to a recent fall and was unable to move at the moment.

However, the office has stated that the former President has already made arrangements to move her belongings out of the official residence, that a private house has already been taken out on rent by CBK, and that she will be moving out of her official residence as soon as she can physically move. 

Chinese envoy meets MR

Meanwhile, there was much attention drawn to Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong’s meeting with MR hours before the latter departed from his official residence. Photographs of the meeting were widely shared on social media, with some Opposition members even claiming that the Chinese envoy meeting with MR prior to his departure was an indication of China’s loyalties to MR while sending a message to the JVP/NPP Government as well.

As such, there was much speculation about the meeting between MR and the Chinese envoy with a rumour that the Chinese had also offered to provide a house for MR in Colombo.  

MR stated after the meeting that he was pleased to receive a courtesy call from the Chinese Ambassador prior to leaving his official residence at Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo.

In a statement on X, MR had expressed his appreciation for the visit and reflected on the “enduring friendship between our nations, both diplomatic and personal”.

Next to RW

However, the day after meeting MR, Chinese envoy Qi met with former President Wickremesinghe at the latter’s office on Flower Road, Colombo 7.

During the discussion, Wickremesinghe and Qi had focused on the political situation in Sri Lanka and at the international level. The Chinese envoy had also extended an invitation to Wickremesinghe for the Chinese National Day.

The explanation

During Wickremesinghe’s meeting, the Chinese Ambassador had also provided some clarity on the document he had handed to former President MR during their meeting last Thursday.

Qi had told Wickremesinghe that he had met MR the previous day and had personally handed over the invitation for the Chinese National Day.

Report to Speaker

Meanwhile, another key political issue that created quite a stir in Parliament was Speaker Wickramaratne’s decision on the no-faith motion handed over by the Opposition in relation to Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara.

The Speaker had last week received a report by the Board of Secretaries of Parliament on the no-faith motion.

There has been much controversy over the no-faith motion since there have been questions raised over precedents as well as legality given that Cabinet ministers are vested with portfolio powers and not deputy ministers.

Speaker Wickramaratne told Parliament last Wednesday (10) that there was no provision in the Constitution for a no-faith motion against a deputy minister and, as such, the motion was not in order and could not be accepted in its present form. 

Wickramaratne had said that under Articles 42, 43, and 44 of the Constitution, collective and individual ministerial responsibility lay with the Cabinet. He had pointed out that a deputy minister, though an MP, was not a member of the Cabinet and did not bear direct constitutional responsibility to the House in the present context. 

“If such a motion is to be accepted today, it would establish an undesirable precedent contrary to constitutional and parliamentary precedents. Having taken into consideration all these facts, I wish to inform this House that the motion of no confidence against the Deputy Minister of Defence is not in order and cannot be accepted in its present form,” the Speaker has concluded. 

Erskine May in the House

The Speaker’s announcement resulted in a tense situation erupting in the House, with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raising concerns over the Speaker’s decision on the no-faith motion.

Premadasa noted that parliamentary conventions such as those outlined by Erskine May and Kaul and Shakdher mentioned that while Standing Orders did not explicitly address the status of a deputy minister as part of the Executive, this silence did not imply that a no-confidence motion could not be brought forward. He has pointed out that even though there is no specific mention of such motions against ministers in the Standing Orders, the absence of reference should not be interpreted as a prohibition.

“According to Article 46(1) of the Constitution, a deputy minister exercises executive powers, and therefore, bringing a no-confidence motion is a recognised practice under the Westminster tradition. Furthermore, under Article 45(3), there is constitutional scope to present such a motion within a broader legal framework,” Premadasa has explained, adding that if the Speaker referred to established parliamentary precedents, it would be possible to bring a no-faith motion against a deputy minister.

Premadasa has further said that the Attorney General’s advice and reports provided by the secretarial staff should be tabled so that the Opposition will receive the opportunity to present its position to Parliament.

No faith in Speaker

Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara has noted in the House that the Opposition will be forced to bring forth a no-faith motion against Speaker Wickramaratne if the Speaker does not uphold democracy and the rights of the Opposition. 

He pointed out that this was the first time in the history of Sri Lanka’s Parliament that a Speaker had rejected a no-faith motion. 

All Opposition parties have now decided to commence a discussion to look at presenting a no-faith motion against the Speaker.

Tension again

Meanwhile, a tense situation once again arose in the House on Thursday (11) with Opposition members taking to the well of the House over a statement made by the Leader of the House.

It began with Opposition members questioning the Speaker on the delay in tabling the reports received by him from the Attorney General and the Board of Secretaries of Parliament on the no-faith motion presented in relation to the Deputy Minister of Defence.

During the verbal clashes between the Opposition and Government that followed this request, the Leader of the House had referred to Opposition members as ‘lapai sipai,’ resulting in demands by the Opposition for clarity on the statement and for it to be withdrawn by the Leader of the House.

Sajith meets ex-MPs of UNP, SJB

Meanwhile, Opposition and SJB Leader Premadasa last Monday (8) met with a group of former SJB MPs as well as former United National Party (UNP) MPs at the SJB Headquarters in Ethul Kotte.

Premadasa had convened the meeting, it is learnt, to discuss the current political challenges faced by Opposition parties and the path to be adopted to move forward. There has been a continuous push by Opposition parties that joined to form the joint Opposition campaign when former President Wickremesinghe was remanded to sustain the collective that was formed to face the challenges posed by the Government.

The meeting with the SJBers and UNPers was held prior to a meeting of the SJB Working Committee that was held on Tuesday (9).

SJB Working Committee meets

The Working Committee of the SJB met last Tuesday (9) and made some key decisions about the party’s future path.

One of the key decisions reached at the meeting, which had been unanimously adopted, was that any member regardless of positions held in the party would face strict disciplinary action if they worked in contravention of party decisions and those of the party leadership. It is learnt that criticising or challenging the party leadership in public will also be included in the list of misdoings that could result in a disciplinary inquiry. 

It had also been decided that the SJB should appoint a permanent disciplinary committee to monitor disciplinary issues faced by the party due to its members.

UNP decision

The UNP meanwhile has decided to continue to collaborate with the SJB and other Opposition political parties in line with the consensus reached during initial discussions. This was revealed by UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardena in a statement to the media last week. “The UNP is ready to enter into a joint programme which will be executed by an all-party committee or according to a similar mechanism,” he has further explained.

The UNP had commenced a fresh round of discussions with the SJB and other parties recently when Wickremesinghe was remanded.

Ruwan’s revelation

Meanwhile, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene recently made a revelation about former President Wickremesinghe’s plans to return to Parliament. Wijewardene had made this statement during a ‘dansala’ (almsgiving) that was organised by the UNP at the Party Headquarters, Sirikotha, to invoke blessings on Party Leader Wickremesinghe to wish him a speedy recovery.

According to the UNP Deputy Leader, Wickremesinghe does not have any intention of returning to Parliament at the present time, but if he is to return to parliamentary politics, the move will be made at the proper time.

Story behind the containers

However, another key story that continues to unravel is in relation to developments in the field of organised crime and narcotic drug distribution in the country following the arrest and detention of five key organised crime leaders in Indonesia. 

Among these stories, the uncovering of chemicals said to have been used in the production of ice narcotics in the Middeniya area and the two containers that are believed to have transported the chemicals to the country became a top story last week, especially since the raw materials and the ice manufacturing facility were allegedly linked to organised crime leader Kehelbaddara Padme, who was arrested in Indonesia recently and repatriated to Sri Lanka afterwards, and due to the alleged political links in this manufacturing process.

The Police has reportedly revealed that the details of the two containers carrying these dangerous substances had been provided by a US intelligence unit to Sri Lankan authorities and that the Police Narcotics Bureau had also given a tip about these containers. The two containers at this time had been at the port, but Sri Lanka Customs had released them on 27 January claiming there were no issues with them. The intelligence reports had further stated that the two containers carrying dangerous substances had left Iran and that this report had been sent to Sri Lanka during the end of last year and early this year.

According to reports, the containers had allegedly been given the green light by the Police and cleared by an individual who had identified himself as a construction worker (‘baas’). The Police has also found that the containers have been cleared saying that no narcotic substances had been detected in them while also informing the same to the intelligence agencies that had flagged the matter.

However, a State-owned newspaper had recently published a lengthy report about the two controversial containers. The report has detailed that the two containers carrying chemicals for ice manufacturing belonged to Padme and had been uncovered by the Western Province Crime Division headed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rohan Olugala. These details had been revealed to the Police by another organised crime leader who was arrested in Indonesia and repatriated to Sri Lanka along with Padme, Backhoe Saman.

Saman had reportedly stated that a house had been purchased in Nuwara Eliya to manufacture ice and that two Pakistani nationals had been employed for the manufacturing process. He had further stated that the chemical required for the process had been imported from Iran and that the two containers once cleared had been taken to Middeniya. 

Investigations had revealed that a former SLPP Local Government member in 2019 who is currently working as a timber merchant, Piyal Senadheera, and his brother, who had contested under the SLPP for the Angunakolapelessa Local Government body at this year’s Local Government Elections, Sampath Manamperi had allegedly moved the two containers from where they were kept. 

While Senadheera had been arrested by the Police, Manamperi had managed to evade arrest. The latter had reportedly faced a probe for being allegedly involved in the murder of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP N. Raviraj. However, he had been released from the case later.

Further investigations into organised crime leaders Padme and Kudu Salindu, it is learnt, have uncovered links not only between ministers and politicians, but also with artists. 

Bimal’s village

Amidst the unravelling drama over the chemical substances required for ice manufacturing uncovered in the Middeniya area, another interesting piece of information has made its way to the public domain. The information is related to senior Minister Bimal Rathnayake.

It was revealed by the SLPP that Rathnayake hailed from Middeniya and that it was he who had appointed a committee to release the 323 controversial containers at the Colombo Port.

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam told a media conference last week that Rathnayake’s village was Middeniya. Kariyawasam further raised questions over the Government’s failure to reveal the details of the 323 controversial containers that had been released without proper checks from the Colombo Port earlier this year.

The SLPP General Secretary also posed several questions to the Inspector General of Police (IGP): when did the containers arrive in the country? When were the containers released? Was intelligence or a tip-off received on these two containers? Were the containers marked and subjected to checks? Whom were the containers released to?

Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesperson, ASP F.U. Wootler had said that there was no connection between two containers linked to a drug case and 323 containers that were recently released from the port and triggered public concern. He had noted that the container numbers involved in the drug-related incident did not match the numbers of the 323 containers. 

The Police Spokesperson’s statement was also questioned by the SLPPers asking how the Police had made a statement claiming there were no connections between the 323 containers and the two containers entangled in the ice story even before the investigation had concluded.

SJB MP Mujibur Rahman has meanwhile once again raised concerns in Parliament over the release of over 300 unexamined containers earlier this year. He has demanded answers from the Government.

Rahman has criticised in Parliament the Police Spokesperson’s recent comments regarding the release of two containers, questioning how the Police could issue statements when Customs itself was yet to issue a statement. “How can he make comments when Customs has not even made a comment on it?” Rahman has questioned, adding that the Police often acts to protect the Government of the day.

Revealing a nexus

Meanwhile, there has been much focus on alleged links between politicians and organised crime leaders with many charges and counter-charges between ruling party and Opposition politicians taking place last week.

It is in such a backdrop that Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala revealed photographs of politicians and alleged that they were linked to the owners of containers used to smuggle chemicals intended for ice production. “These politicians are behind the supply chain of this drug syndicate. We are conducting investigations and will act regardless of their status,” he said at a news briefing while showing printouts of images to the media.

Watagala further noted that some politicians had left the country during the investigations, citing postgraduate studies or health reasons, while others had suddenly disappeared.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa claimed that certain politicians had panicked during the arrest of the likes of Padme and his associates, and urged the media to examine the politicians who had panicked during the arrest of underworld gangsters and drug dealers.

Social media campaign

Soon after these claims by members of the Government, a large-scale social media campaign was unleashed against the SLPP. Some posts questioned whether the SLPP should be identified in the future as the flower or ‘ice bud,’ with various caricatures to the effect.

The anti-SLPP social media campaign was mostly carried out by outlets linked to the ruling party with special focus on SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa.

SLPP hits back

The SLPP meanwhile hit back at the ruling party as well as its ministers who were levelling allegations against the SLPP and its leaders over alleged links to organised criminals as well as the production of ice narcotics in the country.

Namal was the first to respond to the allegations being levelled by members of the Government over his alleged links to a former SLPP Local Government member who is allegedly linked with organised crime leader Kehelbaddara Padme’s alleged ice manufacturing facility as well as sourcing raw materials required for the manufacturing of narcotics.

Responding to allegations levelled by Watagala showing a photograph of Namal and the former SLPP Local Government members standing together, Namal claimed that there were also photographs of President AKD with Ibrahim – the father of two of the suicide bombers in the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. “Does that mean that the President is linked to the Easter Sunday bombers?”

SLPP General Secretary Kariyawasam and former SLPP MP Sanjeewa Edirimanna also addressed a media conference where they refuted allegations levelled against the SLPP and its seniors. 

They claimed that President AKD had, at the time Ibrahim’s connections were revealed publicly, explained that various people take photographs with politicians and that their backgrounds were not known. AKD had asked the public not to draw hasty conclusions about the NPP. “We ask the President to give us (the SLPP) the same courtesy he requested at that time with Ibrahim,” Edirimanna said.

The SLPP has also suspended the party membership of Sampath Manamperi.

LOD and challenges

However, MP Namal Rajapaksa issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) seeking Rs. 1 billion in compensation from Deputy Minister Watagala, claiming that a recent statement made by the Deputy Minister at a media briefing in Homagama had caused him reputational harm.

Namal had alleged that Watagala’s statement had implied that he was connected to the country’s drug supply network, thereby defaming him. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Watagala, responding to the LOD, claimed in Parliament that he was ready to respond to the legal notice from MP Namal demanding Rs. 1 billion in compensation, citing defamation.

Watagala had told Parliament that although he had not received the notice yet, MP Namal must file a case within 14 days. He had also stated that he welcomed the opportunity to cross-examine the MP in court.

“Since he has not practised law in court, he may not be familiar with this. Defamation cases are the only type of case where the plaintiff can be questioned on matters beyond the scope of the case,” Watagala had said.

“I will then question if you possess the required qualifications to enter Law College. Is your qualification from the City University in the UK real? Were you able to acquire the relevant qualification by sitting for the final-year exam of the Law College in a separate room? Are you and your family linked to various high-profile deaths, such as Wasim Thajudeen, Lasantha Wickrematunge, and Prageeth Ekneligoda? Is Julampitiya Amare your bodyguard? Did your father protect Nimal Lanza when the Special Task Force (STF) came in search of him? I will ask these questions in court,” he had added. 

Watagala further warned that if Namal failed to file the case, he (Watagala) would file a request in court for a cross-appeal and would seek compensation. 

Sajith weighs in

Opposition Leader Premadasa meanwhile has also weighed in on the ice saga by questioning how two containers of raw materials used in the production of ice, discovered by security forces, were able to leave the port.

Premadasa had noted that while the discovery marked progress in the effort to curb drug trafficking, it also raised several troubling questions that the Government must clarify.

“The core issue is how these two containers exited the port. International intelligence agencies regularly provide information about drug activity in Sri Lanka, and it is essential to know whether they had alerted the country about these specific containers,” he had said.

Premadasa had also called for the disclosure of the date such intelligence had been received, who had conducted the investigations, the timeline of those investigations, and whether the containers had been released even after inquiries had been made.

President of Iceland

Meanwhile, Leader of the House, Minister Rathnayake last week took a swipe at SLPP MP Namal and his aspirations of becoming President of Sri Lanka. “He (Namal) is thinking he is going to be president in 2029. I wonder where? Must be in Iceland,” the Minister has told Parliament. 

Rathnayake also took a swipe at Police and Customs officers saying that the incumbent Government had not made any appointments to these institutions and that they had been appointed by previous governments.

Another case for Namal

Meanwhile, a new case has emerged against SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa with the Supreme Court last week granting leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights petition challenging the alleged misuse of electricity from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), worth over Rs. 2 million, for MP Namal’s wedding celebrations in 2019.

The order was given by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Achala Wengappuli when the case was taken up for hearing. 

It had been revealed before the court that electricity had been used to illuminate a 1.5 km stretch of road leading to a private residence where the wedding celebrations were held, allegedly under the instructions of then Minister of Power Ravi Karunanayake, based on a request by MP D.V. Chanaka. 

The petitioner has reportedly argued that this had constituted an abuse of State power and corruption, especially since the payment had later been made by Royalco Aqua Culture Ltd., a third party with no connection to the event.

After reviewing the facts presented, the court had granted permission to proceed with the petition under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The next hearing is scheduled for 17 March 2026.

Rajitha’s work

Meanwhile, former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, who was granted bail last Tuesday, while in remand prison had been in the ‘N’ ward. It is learnt that he had not made any requests from Prisons officials for special treatment. 

It is also learnt that while he had been subjected to a medical check at the Prison Hospital recently, Senaratne had requested Prisons officials to return him to the remand prison. Around 25 individuals including former State officials who have been remanded over various allegations had also been in the ‘N’ ward with Senaratne. 

During his time in prison, Senaratne had spent his time reading newspapers and watching television while also reading poetry scribbled by former and current inmates on the walls. 

Out with the books

Senaratne appeared before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday (9) in the prison bus carrying several books he had been reading while in remand prison.

When leaving the court premises after being granted bail, Senaratne said that he had completed reading books like the biographies of Leon Trotsky (821 pages), Mahatma Gandhi (779 pages), and Martin Wickramasinghe’s ‘Upan Da Sita,’ which Senaratne had read until Wickramasinghe’s middle age. “I was in the process of reading the book on Comrade Lionel, who had carried out 48 killings for the JVP, when I was granted bail by court,” the former Minister said.

Shasheendra’s sleep apnoea

Meanwhile, former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa was further remanded despite his lawyers informing court on Friday (12) that his health was deteriorating in custody since he suffered from severe sleep apnoea.

President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratna has said that Rajapaksa experiences breathing difficulties up to 35 times per hour while asleep and requires specialised medical equipment that is not available in prison. He has argued that Rajapaksa’s condition has worsened and led to hospitalisation for high blood pressure.

However, prosecutors had opposed the bail plea, saying Rajapaksa had managed a month without the device in custody and that his condition did not justify release.

The Magistrate had ordered that Rajapaksa be remanded until Friday (19).

No plan to arrest

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal was informed on Friday (12) by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) that there was no decision to arrest former Minister Udaya Gammanpila for the time being when the writ petition filed by Gammanpila, requesting an order to prevent his arrest under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act, was taken up for consideration.

In his writ petition, Gammanpila has claimed that the CID was preparing to arrest him under the ICCPR Act.

Additional Solicitor General Sudarshana De Silva, appearing on behalf of the CID, had informed the court that the Police had not made any decision to arrest Gammanpila at this time.

However, he had further stated that investigations were still ongoing and that a final decision would be made thereafter.

The hearing of the petition has been postponed until Wednesday (17).