• Mahinda reveals startling facts in farewell speech; AKD commends Mahinda, forgets past threat to sack
• Spotlight on Harshana following resignation from Parliament; expected to assume Treasury Secy role
• IMF wants reforms to continue, no relief for masses; Trump’s 90-day suspension ending, no deal yet
• AKD in the Chamber after Opposition walk-out; Ajith’s accident prevents debate on Middle East tension
• SL’s human rights situation under spotlight during High Commissioner Türk’s visit to SL from tomorrow
• Tamil parties to raise mass graves, PTA, missing persons; co-sponsors also monitor developments
• AKD, JVP/NPP slam Opposition coalitions; Opposition hits back over JVP/NPP alliances with SLPP, TMVP
• JVP’s past alliances with MR recalled; JVP/NPP justifies alliances, only with individuals not parties
• JVP/NPP mostly aligned with independent groups and some members of Opposition parties in CMC
• Alliances with UNP in Minipe, SLPP in Medawachchiya, SJB in Ratnapura, CWC in N’Eliya and Kotagala
• With Sarvajana Balaya in Dodangoda, with TMVP in Chenkaladi, Vakarai and with Rishad’s ACMC in K’gala
• SJB gets letter signed by 60 CMC councillors to ensure majority; JVP/NPP meetings at Rosmead Place
• JVP/NPP proxies keep close watch on SJB moves on CMC, expose Sajith’s meet with ‘butterfly’ group
• Marikkar predicts possibility of change in SJB votes in open ballot; Govt. defends Commissioner’s move
• Commissioner ignores guidelines, proceeds with LG Act; Riza lodges complaint against Commissioner
• Commissioner Sarangika pushes secret ballot in Seethawaka after CMC; LG postponed without quorum
• SJB suspends membership of some errant councillors in several LGs; displeased SJBers call party seniors
• SLPPer supports JVP/NPP in Galle MC, gets Deputy Mayor post for himself; party suspends membership
• Senthil explains reasons for CWC decision to back JVP/NPP, says ruling party has majority and mandate
• RW takes Ivor Jennings to CID; MR stops Poson Poya live coverage; Maithri extends olive branch to CBK

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Government have been on victory laps with the securing of power in a majority of the Local Government (LG) bodies where the party had failed to secure a majority at the elections held in May this year and the accelerated action on its anti-corruption drive with probes being initiated against a host of former members of governments and cases filed on some of these matters. 

However, the increasing tensions in the Middle East over the Israel-Iran conflict and its global fallout amidst Sri Lanka’s economic recovery programme undoubtedly pose a set of challenges that were previously not anticipated by the Government.

The Israel-Iran conflict and the picking of sides by other global powers, including the US, Russia, and China, could have many adverse impacts on Sri Lanka, especially in relation to several key economic sectors – maritime, aviation, exports, services, and even tourism. These sectors at present are seen as key revenue generators for the country and any increase in tensions in the Middle East could deal a devastating blow to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery process.

President AKD and the Government are no doubt aware of these sensitivities and will be required to be proactive in addressing the economic issues faced by Sri Lanka rather than be reactive, which has been the case so far.

The Government would be wise to keep in mind the fragile status of Sri Lanka’s economy and the inability to count on international support to further strengthen the economy if Middle East tensions further intensify or the US proceeds with the proposed trade tariffs – both of which could result in an overall global economic slowdown.

The push for President AKD and the Government to be proactive in its approach to matters related to the economy is based on the failure of previous governments to understand the warning signs of an economy heading towards a crisis, which resulted in Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy in 2022.

Mahinda’s revelation

On the matter of failing to heed the warning signs of an economy in trouble, former Secretary to the Treasury Mahinda Siriwardana made some startling revelations in his farewell speech at an event held at the Presidential Secretariat last week.

Siriwardana played a key role in steering the economy towards normalcy during the crisis and post-crisis economic recovery. The key role played by Siriwardana resulted in him working under three Presidents – Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who appointed him, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and incumbent President AKD.

Delivering his parting speech, Siriwardana claimed that he had seen the signs of an economy in peril and that it had been heading towards a crisis two years prior to the economic crisis that befell Sri Lanka. He stated that despite efforts to warn of the impending crisis, no one had heeded his warnings. He claimed that even the former governors of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the Monetary Board had ignored his warnings.

“I had no one to tell. It was really sad. I had only my wife to tell these woes to, especially about the risk faced by the country. I used to tell her that we were heading towards an economic crisis and that no one was willing to listen,” Siriwardana said.

These words uttered by Siriwardana could be true even today if the powers that be fail to heed the warnings about the fragility of the country’s economy and the need to be proactive in transforming it from stability to growth. 

Nevertheless, the irony in Siriwardana’s retirement event was that President AKD’s JVP/NPP had threatened during the Presidential Election campaign last year to sack Siriwardana from the post of Treasury Secretary once they assumed office.

However, last week saw President AKD commending Siriwardana and gifting him a memento as a token of appreciation for his work. 

“The President particularly commended Mr. Siriwardana’s exceptional dedication and commitment in expertly navigating the nation’s economy through the transformative period following the recent economic crisis, ultimately achieving significant economic victories for the country,” the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement. “President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for Mr. Siriwardana’s invaluable contributions.”

Spotlight on Harshana

Following Siriwardana’s retirement last week, the focus on the next Treasury secretary has now fallen on Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma, who has now submitted his resignation from Parliament.

The announcement of Suriyapperuma’s resignation from Parliament initially resulted in speculation that he had moved out of Parliament to accept the vacant Treasury secretary post and on Friday (20) a senior Government member confirmed that Suriyapperuma would be appointed as the Treasury secretary.

During the past weeks in the run-up to Siriwardana’s retirement, there was much talk of the individual who would be appointed to the post of Treasury secretary. The first name that came up was Senior Economic Adviser to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa and later it was an additional secretary at the Presidential Secretariat from the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force.

However, it is evident that President AKD is well aware of the economic challenges ahead for the country and the need for an individual who understands the economic realities faced by the Government. Suriyapperuma has been part of the Government delegations that held discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as with the United States Trade Representative over the ongoing trade tariff discussions.

A major part of steering the nation’s economy will fall into the hands of the new Treasury secretary, who, while continuing engagement on key issues with the IMF and the US Trade Representative, must prepare the 2026 Budget while ensuring the smooth flow of economic activities.

IMF seeks continuance

Meanwhile, the IMF team that was in Sri Lanka last week led by First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath has emphasised to the President and Government the need to continue with the reforms programme to ensure further stability of the economy. This would effectively mean that the masses will not be able to receive the anticipated relief from the Government and the Government too will have to hold off on some of its election pledges.

Gopinath on Monday (16) met with President AKD and the senior IMF official had advised him on the need for Sri Lanka to continue its economic reforms during the meeting.

“Pleasure meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today. We discussed Sri Lanka’s strong performance on economic reforms and the importance of maintaining momentum. Continued commitment to these reforms is vital for lasting stability and prosperity for all Sri Lankans,” she had posted on X after the meeting with AKD.

Gopinath also attended the conference on ‘Sri Lanka’s Road to Recovery: Debt and Governance,’ jointly co-hosted by the Ministry of Finance, CBSL, and IMF, as the Guest of Honour. President AKD also attended the event.

“The IMF will remain a steadfast partner as Sri Lanka pursues stable and inclusive growth that improves the lives of all citizens and future generations. This time must be different. As President Dissanayake has said, let us ensure this is the last IMF programme Sri Lanka will need. We agree, and believe this is possible if Sri Lanka stays the course,” she said, addressing the event.

Acknowledging the Government’s recent implementation of a series of difficult but necessary reforms, such as adjustments in taxation, the removal of unsustainable subsidies, and the restoration of cost-reflective energy pricing, Gopinath said: “They test the social fabric. And yet, they are the foundation of a more resilient future. That is why we must now turn our focus from crisis response to sustainable recovery. There is a lot that is still needed.”

Trump’s 90 days to end

While the IMF has urged the continuation of the tough reforms programme, the 90-day suspension imposed by US President Donald Trump on the proposed reciprocal trade tariffs is nearing an end. The suspension is to end on 5 July.

The Sri Lankan Government had sent two delegations for discussions with the US Trade Representative but is yet to reach a formal ‘deal’ on the taxes. In the event the Sri Lankan Government fails to finalise a deal with the US Trade Representative on the proposed trade tariffs, Sri Lanka’s exports industry will be dealt a severe blow that will hamper the country’s overall economic recovery programme.

Realising the impact Trump’s proposed trade tariffs would have on Sri Lanka, President AKD had also raised concerns regarding the recently imposed US tariffs during the meeting with the IMF delegation led by Gopinath, noting their potential impact, as approximately 25% of Sri Lanka’s total exports were directed to the US. 

The President had further highlighted the challenges posed by ongoing global conflicts and their potential implications for Sri Lanka. However, he had also noted to the delegation that appropriate measures were being taken to manage and mitigate these risks effectively.

Spotlight on human rights

Apart from Sri Lanka’s economy, the country’s human rights situation will also be in the spotlight from tomorrow (23), with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk arriving in Sri Lanka on an official visit that is expected to last till Thursday (26).

The visit will be the first by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Sri Lanka since 2015. It follows an invitation extended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath during a meeting with the High Commissioner in Geneva last year.

During his visit, Türk is expected to meet with several high-level Government officials, including President AKD, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Justice.

The High Commissioner also plans to tour several regions in the country including Kandy, Jaffna, and Trincomalee, to observe local conditions and to engage with community representatives. High Commissioner Türk is further expected to participate in a series of special sessions focused on human rights issues during his visit.

It is learnt that the ongoing discussion over mass graves in the Northern Province will figure during discussions between Tamil parties and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in addition to issues related to missing persons and the application of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

It is further learnt that co-sponsors of resolutions on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) are also monitoring developments in Sri Lanka’s commitments to the UNHRC, which will also be submitted to the High Commissioner’s Office.

AKD in House, no Opposition

Meanwhile, an interesting development took place in Parliament last Tuesday (17) when President AKD arrived in the House to participate in the proceedings soon after the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa had staged a walk-out from the Chamber, protesting against the reduced speaking time for members of the Opposition in Parliament.

Prior to the walk-out, Premadasa had accused Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne of favouring the ruling party by limiting the time allocated to Opposition speakers. Tensions had arisen when Opposition members had requested time to speak on the Iran-Israel conflict and its impact on Sri Lanka.

Chief Government Whip, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa assured the protesting Members of Parliament (MPs) that the issue would be taken up at the time of adjournment, adding that the Foreign Ministry would be issuing a statement in the evening.

However, Opposition Leader Premadasa had alleged that the Speaker had denied the Opposition Whip the opportunity to speak, adding that he had been denied his right to speech. “We no longer approve of your conduct in this House,” Premadasa had said, adding that if the Speaker continued to treat the Opposition in this manner, its members would be compelled to leave the House.

The Opposition, however, returned to the Chamber the following day after discussing whether it should boycott the week’s session or not. 

After attending the session on Wednesday (18), the Opposition led by Premadasa sought a debate on the Israel-Iran conflict and its impact on Sri Lanka; the request was signed by 20 Opposition MPs. Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake agreed to an adjournment debate that evening urging all Opposition members to be present in the Chamber at the time. SJB MP Ajith P. Perera was to move the motion.

However, Parliament was adjourned by Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih after Perera failed to be present in the Chamber to present the motion. Perera, who was not in the Chamber when his name was called out, made a live post on Facebook claiming that he had been delayed since his vehicle had met with an accident and that no one had been injured in it.

Opposition MP Nizam Kariapper’s attempt to move the motion in Perera’s stead was dismissed by the Deputy Speaker, who adjourned the House till the following day.

AKD’s take on Sajith, Namal

Meanwhile, the past week has seen many criticisms and counter-criticisms being hurled between the ruling party and the Opposition, mainly on the formation of Local Government (LG) bodies where either party had failed to secure a majority at the recent polls.

The famous criticism being levelled by members of the JVP/NPP against the Opposition parties is that rivals (‘nai-mugati’) have joined against the ruling party to save themselves from being prosecuted over previous wrongdoings.

Even President AKD led the charge against the Opposition parties’ move to form coalitions to win LG bodies, stating that Opposition parties from different camps had united against the ruling party for their own political survival and that it was driven purely by their personal need to remain politically relevant. His target was mainly Opposition Leader Premadasa and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa.

Addressing a gathering in Germany during his recent visit to the country, AKD stated: “When progressive and good political work moves forward, the opposing hostile groups set aside their differences to unite. You may have seen a media discussion where Tissa Attanayake from the SJB, the Secretary from the SLPP, and Thalatha from the United National Party (UNP) gathered in one camp. But what have they shown us so far? They are two camps. But why have they gathered now? Not for anything else, but to protect their past corruption, fraud, and crimes. 

“Whether they are in the SLPP or SJB, it does not matter to us. If they have committed crimes or fraud, investigations have already been initiated. They know this. So, what should be done? We must set aside our rivalries and unite to counter this emerging trend. Otherwise, politically speaking, an alliance between Sajith Premadasa and Namal Rajapaksa would be damaging to both of them.”

The President further stated: “They believe that remaining divided would be disadvantageous either way. So, what do they do? They choose to unite against us. They disregard the long-term political harm this alliance may cause them. In the next election, how can there be two presidential candidates? Because now, they have essentially formed a single political camp. 

“They are aware of this. Yet, in the short term, at this moment they believe uniting against the NPP is necessary for their own political survival. This is a move driven purely by their personal need to remain politically relevant.”

Opposition hits back

However, the Opposition hit back at the President’s claim, first with the SLPP claiming that instead of speaking of economic development and focusing on further developing the country, the President was speaking about arresting members of the Opposition during an official overseas visit.

The SJB’s Mujibur Rahman claimed in Parliament that it was the JVP that had formed unholy alliances in the past starting from joining former President Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) during 2005 and bringing him to power. “Since then, the JVP had formed so many alliances with rival camps. Now the party is criticising the Opposition when Opposition parties are uniting,” he claimed.

Rahman has further questioned the JVP/NPP on why it was criticising the Opposition for forming alliances with other parties when the ruling party had also formed alliances with parties, including the SLPP, which has been accused of harbouring rogues by the JVP/NPP.

Opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam also criticised the ruling party for slamming Opposition parties over collaborations in LG bodies, claiming in Parliament that the JVP/NPP was working with the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) headed by Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan, who is currently detained in connection with the 2006 abduction and disappearance of a university vice chancellor in the Eastern Province.

Taking to X, Rasamanickam has accused the JVP/NPP of supporting Pillayan’s party to secure the Koralaipattu North Pradeshiya Sabha in Vakarai. “Today’s events at the Vakarai council have made it clear that the NPP lacks consistent principles or policies. NPP members supported the candidate from Pillayan’s TMVP, helping them secure the chairman position and defeating the ITAK candidate.” 

Meanwhile, JVP/NPP MP Najith Indika has defended the ruling party’s move to form councils in LG bodies with the support of other parties. He has stated in Parliament: “Our people have been elected to these councils, so we have the right to establish power in these councils per the necessary legal provisions. If not, what else do we do? Bring people from home to establish power? The only option is to receive the support of members of other parties. How is this wrong?”

Indika has further claimed that the JVP/NPP had only obtained support from individual councillors and not from the Opposition parties they represent, as well as independent groups.

LG chaos

Nevertheless, the ongoing chaos in the formation of administrations of LG bodies is a stark reminder of the country’s continuing destructive political culture. The events that have unfolded in the past few weeks – deals, horse-trading, attacks, and the suspension of individuals from parties – are all indicative of the fact that the much-anticipated ‘system change’ is yet to be fully achieved.

It is evident that the country’s electoral system, especially the LG system, needs to be revisited given the current complexities in forming administrations in some LG bodies.

Ruling party alliances

However, it is interesting to note how the ruling JVP/NPP has formed certain alliances with several political parties or ‘individuals’ as claimed by MP Indika to form administrations in some LG bodies.

Accordingly, the JVP/NPP has aligned with mostly independent groups and some members of Opposition parties to form the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) administration, joined with the UNP in Minipe, with the SLPP in Medawachchiya, with the SJB in Ratnapura, with the Sarvajana Balaya in Dodangoda, with the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) in Nuwara Eliya and Kotagala, with the TMVP in Chenkaladi and Vakarai, and with Rishad Bathiudeen’s All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) in Kurunegala. 

These are some of the councils that have been formed by the JVP/NPP with the support of other parties.

JVP/NPP’s last operation

The JVP/NPP meanwhile engaged in an intense campaign to secure power of the CMC, which was considered the most important LG body out of all. For the JVP/NPP it was also a milestone event to secure power of the CMC since the council has mostly been controlled by the UNP since its inception.

The ruling party engaged in an intense campaign to wrest control of the CMC, with even President AKD meeting with independent groups elected to the council to get their support.

However, among the independent groups that were key in forming the CMC were the ‘butterfly’ independent group, the ‘bat’ independent group, and the independent group of one Lal Peiris.

However, until the last minute, it was difficult to know where the support of the independent groups lay, given that they continued to meet with representatives of the Government and SJB and Opposition Leader Premadasa through the past few weeks.

Proxies of the JVP/NPP, including former politicians from the Rajapaksa camp, canvassed heavily for the ruling party, with some independent group members of the CMC being wined and dined in hotels in Colombo.

A last round of meetings with independent councillors elected to the CMC was held at a residence on Rosmead Place in Colombo 7 by the JVP/NPP. The meetings were organised by Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, who is also a former CMC councillor.

Following the meetings at the Rosmead Place residence, the JVP/NPP members had held a meeting with the President at the JVP/NPP Headquarters in Pelawatte to brief him on the outcome of the meetings and the party’s position in the CMC.

Close watch on SJB

Apart from the party’s campaign to muster a majority in the CMC, the JVP/NPP also kept a close watch on the main Opposition SJB.

The SJB’s meetings with members of independent groups elected to the CMC were most often chaired by Premadasa. Even after returning to work following a brief illness, Premadasa’s first meeting was with the independent groups.

However, it was not known by the SJB and its leadership that the JVP/NPP was keeping a close eye on the party’s movements in relation to the CMC. It was when Premadasa had received a telephone call from a JVP/NPP proxy asking how his meeting with the ‘butterfly’ group in the CMC had progressed that the SJB leadership had become aware of the ruling party’s secret operation that had even extended to the SJB.

Signing a letter

However, as soon as the SJB was confident of a majority of 60 members in the CMC, steps were taken to get them all to sign a letter.

It is learnt that the letter calling for the Western Province LG Commissioner to hold an open ballot to elect the CMC mayor had been signed after the SJB leadership had learnt of an operation launched by the JVP/NPP to push for a secret ballot instead of an open vote to elect the mayor.

It is further learnt that Premadasa had then contacted Western Province LG Commissioner Sarangika Jayasundara and inquired whether she planned on holding a secret ballot to elect the CMC mayor since there was much talk of such a move.

The Commissioner had responded saying that she would proceed with the guidelines issued by the Local Government Ministry. 

Chaos in CMC

However, the vote to elect the CMC mayor caused an uproar in the council between the JVP/NPP and the Opposition parties.

Despite the Commissioner’s response to Premadasa that she would follow the Local Government Ministry guidelines and the letter submitted by the SJB to the Commissioner at the outset of the inaugural meeting of the CMC last Monday containing 60 signatures of CMC councillors seeking an open ballot to elect the mayor, a secret ballot was called by the Commissioner. 

The Commissioner had stated that she was acting on the Local Government Act and would therefore hold a secret ballot to elect the CMC mayor. 

Finally, a secret ballot was held to elect the CMC mayor amidst protests by Opposition members that were countered by ruling party councillors and some members of independent groups. At one point, JVP/NPP councillors challenged the SJB to get the 60 councillors who had signed their letter to raise their hands and call for an open ballot.

Colombo for JVP/NPP

Vraie Cally Balthazaar was elected after securing a majority of votes in the 117-member local council, obtaining 61 votes. The SJB’s candidate Riza Zarook obtained 54 votes.

After being elected as Colombo Mayor, Balthazaar said that the ruling party and Opposition had to work together as one to develop Colombo City and that her victory marked a historical formation of the CMC.

“We have a long journey ahead. The CMC is not like Parliament. We should all work together to run the council and not act as the ruling party or the Opposition. It is the responsibility of all 117 members to work as one to improve Colombo,” the newly-elected CMC Mayor said.

Allegations of bias

However, the SJB’s mayoral candidate Zarook alleged that the Commissioner of the Department of Local Government of the Western Province had acted arbitrarily during the vote to elect the Colombo mayor.

Zarook claimed that Commissioner Jayasundara had acted unilaterally, giving the ruling party an advantage by opting for a secret ballot.

“With the ruling party’s influence, it was clear they had planned to opt for a secret ballot. Despite our objections, the Commissioner made a statement at the outset that the vote could be conducted either by secret or open ballot,” Zarook has told the media.

“That method of voting too should be decided by a majority of councillors. However, the Commissioner declared in an authoritarian manner that this decision would also be made through a secret ballot. As a result, we were compelled to proceed with the secret ballot,” he has noted.

Zarook has further claimed that concerns had arisen within his camp the moment there was mention of a secret ballot, as the JVP/NPP had deliberated on the matter for many days at their Party Headquarters in Pelawatte.

Sajith speaks out

Meanwhile, Opposition and SJB Leader Premadasa alleged that the Government had blatantly violated the 2025 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government for electing chairpersons and vice-chairpersons in LG bodies.

He said that the guidelines had specified procedures for situations where no party or independent group secured more than 50% of the total membership and claimed that these procedures had been followed in several local bodies, resulting in the Opposition and SJB gaining control in many areas.

However, he had noted that the current Government had begun pressuring officials to alter the implementation of these guidelines to change outcomes. 

Premadasa had further claimed that certain commissioners were being influenced to ignore standard voting procedures – whether secret or open ballots – and override legitimate member requests, such as in the CMC.

Govt. defends

However, the Government has denied allegations that the Western Provincial Department of Local Government’s Commissioner had acted in an arbitrary manner in conducting a secret ballot to elect Colombo’s mayor.

Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated at the weekly Cabinet press briefing that the Commissioner had followed proper procedures in conducting the ballot and dismissed claims of arbitrary conduct.

Acting against Commissioner

However, SJB MP Rahman claimed in Parliament that legal action would be initiated against the Western Province LG Commissioner at some point over her conduct at the inaugural meeting of the CMC.

The SJB’s Colombo mayoral candidate Zarook had meanwhile reportedly lodged a complaint before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against the Commissioner. Zarook had claimed that the Commissioner had acted in a biased manner when conducting the election for the post of Colombo mayor.

Disgruntled SJBers

Meanwhile, disgruntled SJBers, it is learnt, have started to make telephone calls to senior SJB members, especially an office bearer in charge of party organisers. The SJBers who are making these calls, it is further learnt, have expressed their deep displeasure in the way the party has handled matters related to the formation of administrations for many LG bodies that were within the Opposition’s grasp due to the JVP/NPP’s failure to secure a majority in these bodies.

Several senior SJBers who had received such calls from party members and supporters had told several other SJBers that they were unable to respond to some of the statements made by the party members.

Marikkar’s claim

However, prior to the vote to elect the Colombo mayor, the SJB’s S.M. Marikkar had stated that there was a possibility of some councillors elected to the CMC changing their minds on their support in the event a secret ballot were to be held. 

Marikkar made this statement during a media conference organised by the SJB. He went on to say that it was difficult to state who would win power over the CMC since some councillors who had expressed support to the SJB could change during the vote.

This statement made by Marikkar makes one wonder whether he was privy to details that the rest of the SJB members involved in trying to form the CMC administration were unaware of.

On a previous occasion, Marikkar had stated that he could not respond to questions posed about the formation of the CMC administration since he had not been included by the party in the matter. He claimed that questions on the CMC should be directed to Rahman and not him.

Namal’s take on ‘deal politics’

Following the formation of the CMC administration, the SLPP’s Namal has accused the JVP/NPP of engaging in backdoor political deals despite claiming to oppose such practices.

Namal had told the media that although 60 councillors had formally requested an open vote, a secret ballot had been held instead and that the fact that only 54 votes had been recorded by the Opposition was evidence of a “deal” that involved not just councillors but officials as well.

He had further alleged that the JVP, which while campaigning under the NPP banner had claimed it would end “deal-based politics,” had now become even more adept at it than traditional parties. “They came to power saying they would end the politics of making deals. But what we are seeing is the NPP making deals better than anyone else.”

According to Namal, the JVP has aligned itself with the same political forces it had once opposed.

Chaos in Seethawaka

Meanwhile, chaos was reported at the inaugural session of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha that was chaired by Western Province LG Commissioner Jayasundara, who had also convened the inaugural session of the CMC.

The inaugural session of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha was convened on Tuesday (17) under Jayasundara’s patronage and a tense situation had arisen when two proposals – one calling for a secret ballot to elect the chair of the council and the other calling for an open ballot – had been seconded. The Commissioner had stated that since there were two proposals, the decision on which ballot would be held was vested with the Commissioner.

A group of 24 councillors had objected to the Commissioner’s stance and had staged a walk-out, resulting in the inability to continue with the proceedings due to the lack of a quorum. Finally, the session of the LG body was postponed indefinitely along with the appointments of a chair and deputy chair to the council.

CWC supports JVP/NPP

Meanwhile, the CWC decided to support the ruling JVP/NPP to form administrations in LG bodies in several districts – Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Kandy, Matale, and Ratnapura Districts.

The CWC’s decision will help the JVP/NPP form administrations in several LG bodies in the above-mentioned districts, where the ruling party had failed to secure a clear majority.

The two parties had reached an agreement to appoint chairpersons from the CWC to four LG bodies in the Nuwara Eliya District while the deputy chair will be assigned to the JVP/NPP. It is learnt that the JVP/NPP had requested the CWC to ensure that chairpersons appointed to the four LG bodies in the Nuwara Eliya District were those who had not been accused of corruption in past councils. The CWC, it is further learnt, had agreed to appoint new councillors to chair the four LG bodies.

CWC General Secretary Jeevan Thondaman had met with the councillors elected from the party to LG bodies on Monday (16) at the CWC office in Kotagala to discuss the agreement reached with the JVP/NPP.

Senthil explains

CWC President Senthil Thondaman explained that the party’s decision to back the JVP/NPP was in accordance with the past practice of supporting the party with the majority of LG councillors or members. It is this policy, according to Senthil, that had resulted in the CWC backing the ruling party in votes taken to elect top officials to LG bodies in areas where the NPP had no majority power.

“If a municipal council, urban council, or pradeshiya sabha does not have a majority, you have to definitely join with the other party in the council or the pradeshiya sabha to form the administration.”

He added that the JVP/NPP had extended its support in cases where the CWC had won without majority power and that in cases where the JVP/NPP had won without adequate councillors or members, the CWC had extended its support as the people had given the mandate to the JVP/NPP. 

According to Senthil, this is based on an understanding between the two parties and they will work together as a team to address issues in the areas.

JVP/NPP-SLPP council

Meanwhile, an interesting development was witnessed in the formation of the Medawachchiya LG body when the JVP/NPP had secured the chair while the deputy chair position was secured by the SLPP during the vote to elect the administration.

Although the JVP/NPP had won the Medawachchiya LG body at the elections, it fell short of an outright majority.

The JVP/NPP won 10 seats and the SJB secured six seats, while both the SLPP and Sarvajana Balaya won two seats each. One seat was also secured by the People’s Alliance (PA).

At the inaugural meeting of the council, Dhanapala Wimalathunga of the JVP/NPP was elected as Chairman, while Rangana Somadasa representing the SLPP was elected Deputy Chairman.

Police protection for SJBer

Meanwhile, a councillor elected to the Kolonnawa LG body from the SJB, Susil Kumara, was provided with Police security to leave the council premises following the inaugural session after he had cast his vote in support of the JVP/NPP candidate for the post of council chair.

When the rest of the SJB councillors in the Kolonnawa LG body had staged a walk-out in protest over the holding of a secret ballot, Kumara had remained and voted in favour of the candidacy of the ruling party’s Dhammika Wijayamuni.

Galle saga

Meanwhile, another interesting development was witnessed in the formation of the Galle Municipal Council’s administration last week when the JVP/NPP had secured the post of mayor with the support of SLPP councillors.

JVP/NPP’s Sunil Gamage was elected as the Mayor of the Galle Municipal Council with 19 votes through a secret ballot held during the inaugural council session, with no objections.  

Despite holding only 17 seats in the 36-member council following the LG Elections, the JVP/NPP secured the mayorship after councillors voted in favour of a secret ballot, approved by 19 members. 

A total of 16 councillors from the SJB, UNP, and People’s Janatha Party (PJP) had walked out in protest, creating a tense situation in the chamber. One vote was rejected.

Also, SLPP Councillor Priyantha Sahabandu was elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor after being nominated by SLPP Councillor Nihal Mahavithana and seconded by Councillor Champika Himali.

SLPP suspends membership

The SLPP meanwhile took action to immediately suspend the party membership of Priyantha Sahabandu, who was appointed as Deputy Mayor of the Galle Municipal Council.

Issuing a statement under the signature of SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, the party stated that disciplinary action would also be taken against him.

It is reported that the SLPP had informed the members about the procedures to be followed in the election of the mayor and deputy mayor of the Galle Municipal Council and that the election had been conducted contrary to the party’s instructions, as a result of which Sahabandu had been elected as the Deputy Mayor.

As such, it has been announced that Sahabandu’s party membership will be suspended with immediate effect and the right to all positions and responsibilities held in the SLPP will also be cancelled.

Beruwala LG legally challenged

Meanwhile, the establishment of the new Beruwala Urban Council, which was scheduled to be inaugurated on Thursday (19), has been temporarily halted although arrangements had been made to hold the inaugural meeting of the council under the supervision of the Western Provincial Commissioner of Local Government.

The reason for the delay is due to the fact that four out of the six councillors elected to the Beruwala Urban Council from the SJB had not received the official letter notifying them of the meeting. As a result, they had filed a petition at the Court of Appeal.

Accordingly, the Court of Appeal has ruled that the establishment of the urban council should proceed only after the relevant letters were delivered appropriately and due notice was given.

According to the SJB councillors, both the group of independent candidates and the SJB group that had arrived for the inaugural meeting had left the Beruwala Urban Council premises without waiting for the arrival of the Commissioner.

It was further noted that a document signed by the Commissioner had been posted, stating that the scheduled council session and the formation of the administration would not take place that day.

First resignation

Meanwhile, the first resignation of an LG member was reported last week when JVP/NPP candidate Ranjith Udaya Kumara, who was elected as the Chairman of the Balangoda Pradeshiya Sabha, resigned from his position.

Gamaethige Ariyadasa has reportedly been elected as the new Chairman of the newly-established local council.

The appointment to fill the vacant position had been made by Balangoda Pradeshiya Sabha Returning Officer Suranga Ambagahatenne, while a special gazette has also been issued in this regard.

JVP/NPP’s draw hat-trick

The JVP/NPP meanwhile saw luck on its side when the party managed to secure the chair of three LG bodies through a tie-break draw.

The party has so far managed to secure the chair in the Medagama, Dehiowita, and Soranathota LG bodies through tie-break draws held at the inaugural session. When both the JVP/NPP and the rival side received an equal number of votes at the election for the chairman, a draw of lots was held to elect the chair since the vote had failed to present a clear winner.

SJB sacks councillors

Meanwhile, the SJB has suspended the party membership of several of its members who were elected to several LG bodies.

The first suspensions were of six of its members from the Dambulla LG body. The announcement was made by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara in an official statement.  

According to the statement, the six members had disregarded directives from the party’s Management Committee and Working Committee regarding the appointment of the chairman and vice chairman of the Dambulla LG body. The suspended members are Susil Herath, Anil Indrajith Dassanayake, Dananja Sampath Karandagolla, Priyaranjana Ratnayake, Kusuma Kumari, and Krishanthi Premaratne. Their party membership has been suspended with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, W.M. Tilakarathna of the JVP/NPP was elected Chairman of the Dambulla LG body by securing the majority of votes, defeating the candidate put forward by the SJB.

Later in the week, the SJB membership of Navaratne Mudiyanselage Wijepala, who was elected to the Kandaketiya LG body from the SJB, was suspended with immediate effect, while the party membership of Narahenpitage Susil Kumara Costa, who was elected to the Kolonnawa Urban Council, was also suspended after polling the highest number of votes from the SJB. Costa was the only SJBer to support the JVP/NPP candidate for the chair of the Kolonnawa LG body.

Ivor Jennings to CID

On the topic of ongoing probes into alleged fraud, corruption, and irregularities recorded during previous governments, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had faced an interesting situation when former President Wickremesinghe had been recently summoned to record a statement.

Wickremesinghe was summoned over a complaint lodged by former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and specifically in relation to a Cabinet decision made at the time.

Former President Wickremesinghe had arrived at the CID with Sir Ivor Jennings’ book on law along with two lawyers.

The CID had offered ginger tea to the former President, which he had accepted.

Afterwards, Wickremesinghe had explained to the CID officials that they did not have the legal right to question him or any other member of the then Cabinet about Cabinet discussions and processes. 

Wickremesinghe had shown them the law book and stated that he had read it and that other members of law enforcement as well as the Attorney General’s office should also read it since proceedings of a Cabinet meeting could not be questioned. According to the former President, details of a meeting can only be revealed after the respective members of the Cabinet meet again and reach consensus to do so.

After making this statement, Wickremesinghe had made his way out of the CID in about one hour.

No live coverage for MR

Meanwhile, former President MR’s participation at the Poson Poya celebrations at the Sithulpawwa Temple had resulted in a State media institution facing quite a predicament.

A State electronic media station had been engaged in providing live coverage of the Poson Poya rituals and events at the Sithulpawwa Temple when the Chief Incumbent had informed everyone that former President MR was on his way to participate in the events.

Hearing this, the State media staff at the temple premises had contacted their superiors to inform them that former President MR was going to attend the Poya day events. The media crew had then received orders to immediately stop the live coverage, dismantle the equipment, and return to Colombo.

Maithri-CBK truce

Two other former Presidents – Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (CBK) and Maithripala Sirisena – were also in the news last week.

The news was that former President Sirisena had reportedly requested former President CBK to take charge of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and rebuild it. CBK and Sirisena have both served as Presidents of the SLFP in 2000 and 2015, respectively.

It is also learnt that CBK had been requested by some Sirisena loyalists to withdraw the case filed by her challenging Sirisena’s SLFP leadership since he was no longer the party leader.

The SLFP is currently embroiled in legal disputes, with several key posts in the party and Sirisena’s party presidency being challenged. However, Sirisena has publicly stated that he has no desire to remain as SLFP leader and has wished the new office bearers well.

CBK has reportedly taken action to withdraw the case filed against Sirisena since he is no longer planning on retaining the party presidency.

FCID complaint against Maithri

Meanwhile, a complaint was filed with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on Friday (20), alleging the misuse of Rs. 27.5 million from the President’s Fund during the tenure of former President Sirisena in 2019. The complaint was lodged by Eppawala Cooperative Society Vice Chairman P.V. Lakshman Jayawardena. 

He has claimed that the funds had been allocated for constructing a conference hall on land belonging to the society following a request made in 2017. Construction had begun in January 2019 and several existing shops on the premises – along with their doors, windows, roofing sheets, and seating – had been removed. These items have since gone missing, according to the complaint.

Jayawardena has further stated that while the estimated cost for the project was Rs. 130 million, it was initially launched with Rs. 73 million and labour from the Sri Lanka Army. A total of Rs. 27.5 million was eventually released, but the project remains incomplete.

Sirisena meanwhile issued a statement yesterday (21), stating that the facts outlined in the complaint were false and highly inaccurate. He has added that he would be happy to submit to any investigations in relation to the above matters, claiming that he has no involvement in fraud or corruption and denouncing the character assassinations being carried out against him.