Amidst some turbulent times politically and economically due to political as well as external challenges brought on by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, today (5) is a politically significant day for the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which is the key coalition partner of the ruling National People’s Power (NPP), as it is the 55th commemoration of April Heroes’ Day that marks the fallen comrades of the JVP’s 1971 insurgency. The party has organised April Heroes’ events in three locations – in Vavuniya led by JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva, in Badulla led by Minister K.D. Lalkantha, and in Matara led by Minister Vijitha Herath.

Given the increasing criticism over the JVP/NPP’s failure to honour its pledges to the people, especially on accountability and anti-corruption, and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s (AKD) hesitance or failure to take stern action regarding several controversies surrounding his Government and some key Government members, April Heroes’ Day could also be used by ruling party members for some self-reflection and self-criticism, as well as some course correction, which was once a core principle of the Marxist JVP movement.

Be that as it may, President AKD and his JVP/NPP Government are now feeling the heat of governance and waning public expectations with the elation associated with electoral victories and the honeymoon phase between the Government and masses coming to an end.

Sri Lanka is beginning to feel the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East given the increasing energy crisis that has been exacerbated by the ongoing drought. However, one of the key issues faced by Sri Lanka is the lack of scenario planning by the incumbent Government. The failure to conduct risk analysis and scenario planning, which even a business organisation would conduct, has been the root cause of much of Sri Lanka’s ongoing crisis.

The two fuel price hikes and an electricity tariff hike from last week have already affected the usual hustle and bustle witnessed during Sinhala and Tamil New Year periods.

The electricity tariff increases announced by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) on Monday (30 March), which have increased tariffs for households by Rs. 15 to Rs. 420, depending on consumption, and imposed separate tariff increases for industries, hotels, and others from Wednesday (1), will have an impact on the country’s overall economy. It was however ironic that the tariff hike came into effect on April Fool’s Day, which Opposition politicians claimed was ideal given that the ruling party had managed to make fools out of the masses during the 2024 elections.

The Government has also introduced several measures to minimise electricity consumption while also launching a national programme for the purpose – ‘Surakimu Lanka’. However, the switching off of streetlights from 6 p.m. till 10 p.m. has raised alarm among members of civil society, who have cautioned of increasing threats to public security as well as overall national security. 

Opposition parties meanwhile have urged the Government to follow the Indian and Australian example in providing concessions to the public. During a press conference convened by a group of Opposition politicians on Wednesday (1), they urged the Government to reduce taxes on fuel in order to grant concessions to the masses amidst escalating global energy prices. Former MPs Patali Champika Ranawaka, Rajitha Senaratne, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Wajira Abeywardena, former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, and sitting MP Dayasiri Jayasekara had addressed this news briefing where the Government was continuously urged to take the necessary steps to provide relief to the people.

Amidst the looming power and energy crisis, there is a looming threat of water cuts with the Irrigation Department recently warning of possible drinking water problems in some areas with sea water seeping into the Kelani, Kalu, and Nilwala Rivers due to decreased water levels. Irrigation Director – Hydrology and Disaster Management Engineer L.S. Sooriyabandara has told the media that there is a possibility of sea water seeping into the Kelani, Kalu, and Nilwala Rivers due to the prevailing dry weather, which could disrupt drinking water supply.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has also noted that bowser trucks have been deployed to deliver water to the public in areas affected by low supply channels due to prevailing dry weather conditions.

It is interesting to note that the NWSDB, which maintained the previous week that there would be no necessity to impose water cuts, last week announced water supply restrictions in the coming weeks due to declining reservoir levels and reduced rainfall. The board has also noted that the Kalatuwawa Reservoir currently has sufficient quantities of water for about 20 days at the existing production capacity, adding that, however, authorities plan to reduce supply levels to extend available water for 30 to 40 days as part of precautionary management measures.

It is therefore evident that President AKD and his Government has to conduct some scenario planning at least now and be prepared for further adverse impacts of the Middle East conflict, especially in relation to difficulties in sourcing energy, fertiliser, and even food supplies, while also preparing for adverse weather impacts on the country.

Exacerbating impact

Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa meanwhile has warned that the growing involvement of Houthi fighters in the Middle East conflict could have serious economic and strategic consequences for Sri Lanka.

Premadasa, in a special statement, said that the escalation involving Houthi forces controlling parts of northwest Yemen and the capital Sana’a had intensified tensions, particularly around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping route.

He noted that the strait connected the Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean, making it a critical passage for global trade. Any disruption to this route could directly affect Sri Lanka through delays in shipping, increased insurance premiums, and higher transport costs.

Premadasa warned that such developments could lead to rising oil prices, higher electricity and transport costs, and an overall increase in the cost of living.

He further observed that import costs may increase while export earnings could decline, reducing competitiveness of Sri Lankan exports such as apparel and tea. This, he noted, could also reduce foreign exchange inflows and increase inflationary pressures.

However, given that the ruling party’s instant reaction to Premadasa’s statements has been to ridicule and mock the Opposition Leader, it is doubtful whether the Government will include fast-evolving developments on the global stage if and when it engages in a scenario-planning mechanism. 

IMF discusses economy

Meanwhile, the delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that is currently in the country to review Sri Lanka’s economy and the reforms programme prior to approving the fifth and sixth tranches under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) met with President AKD last Thursday (2).

The discussion was focused on implementing reforms while maintaining economic stability. The delegation also noted that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East posed external risks to Sri Lanka’s economy, particularly in relation to fuel prices and the energy sector.

Sri Lankan authorities have noted to the IMF that the Government had been taking measured steps to manage these pressures while providing targeted relief to vulnerable groups.

President AKD has said that Sri Lanka had met all programme targets and reached a position of relative stability, while stressing the need to minimise the impact of reforms and external challenges on the public.

It is learnt that the IMF delegation has expressed concerns over the Government’s move to subsidise fuel while the recent electricity tariff increase did not meet the expenses incurred on power generation and distribution. The President has explained that the masses could not be burdened further and that the Government was committed to meeting the revenue targets to gear up for foreign loan repayments. 

During a previous meeting with the IMF, President AKD had also refused to implement the proposed property tax in the form of an imputed rental income tax, claiming that it would have adverse impacts on many people in the country.

It is also learnt that the Government has proposed to further increase the country’s tax revenue through more targeted taxes.

However, the IMF is expected to announce its findings on Thursday (9) when the delegation concludes its review mission. 

Increasing Russian ties

The Government meanwhile is engaged in further strengthening ties with Russia. It is in such a backdrop that Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrey Rudenko arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday (31 March) to participate in the 11th round of bilateral political consultations between the two countries, aimed at reviewing and strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic cooperation.

It is interesting that Rudenko’s visit took place just a few days after Russia’s Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Marshavin’s visit to Sri Lanka to discuss energy cooperation as well as energy and fertiliser supplies to Sri Lanka.

The consultations with Rudenko, which are part of an ongoing structured engagement process between Colombo and Moscow, brought together officials from both Foreign Ministries to assess existing partnerships and explore opportunities for further collaboration across multiple sectors.

Rudenko was scheduled to leave Sri Lanka on Saturday (4).

Bimal in Russia

Meanwhile, Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake was on an official tour in Russia when the Russian Deputy Minister commenced a visit in Sri Lanka.

Rathnayake had visited the State Duma in Russia where he had met Vladimir Vasilyev, the Parliamentary Leader of the ruling United Russia party in the State Duma, and discussed enhancing collaboration based on long-standing historical ties and agreed to revive the parliamentary friendship group.

Rathnayake also met with Russia’s Deputy Minister of Energy Marshavin, who visited Sri Lanka the previous week, and continued the discussion on energy cooperation between the two nations.

Following a panel discussion in Russia, Rathnayake noted that Sri Lanka could expand trade with Russia through Vladivostok using existing aviation and maritime routes. He has told Sputnik India that Sri Lanka’s position along major Indian Ocean shipping lanes and its established air connectivity could support faster trade links with Russia.

He has also noted Sri Lanka’s maritime links with countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, noting that Vladivostok was geographically close to these routes, and the role the Hambantota Port could play in facilitating trade, noting its growing capacity as a regional logistics hub.

Rathnayake’s comments in Russia indicates an alignment towards Russia and China held by key members of the JVP/NPP, making one wonder whether the JVP has made a conscious strategy to split its diplomacy, with a group of senior JVPers engaging with the US and India while another engages with the red camp – Russia and China.

Lack of clarity

Be that as it may, there remains a lack of clarity on the ongoing discussions between Sri Lanka and Russia to secure fuel, coal, and fertiliser supplies for Sri Lanka from the Russian Federation.

Deputy Minister Rudenko during some meetings in Colombo last week noted that Russia had received many requests for energy supplies and that the requests were being considered, including ones forwarded by Sri Lanka. 

However, an interesting point presented by Rudenko was that consideration of Russian supplies to Sri Lanka would also depend on the periods of contracts reached for supplies, indicating that Russia was looking at long-term contracts rather than the short-term supplies that are being looked at by the Sri Lankan Government. 

He has explained that the temporary lifting of sanctions on Russian energy resources presents an opportunity for the Global South, noting however that Russia seeks long-term partnerships rather than spot transactions. This approach would contribute to strengthening global energy security, Rudenko had noted.

Meanwhile, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Managing Director Mayura Neththikumarage has noted that Sri Lanka has managed to secure fuel shipments and that the delay in the arrival of the shipments is due to congestion at the country’s two main fuel unloading terminals.

Neththikumarage has also stated that discussions with the Russian authorities are ongoing and that fuel shipments for April and May have been largely confirmed, without giving any specifics, adding to the ongoing confusion over fuel supplies being secured from Russia.

Given these developments, one can only wonder when these elusive Russian energy and fertiliser supplies will reach Sri Lanka.

Namal’s reminder

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa gave a reminder to the President and Government that if AKD had accepted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation and attended the BRICS Summit, Sri Lanka could have secured Russian oil earlier. 

Namal made these remarks recently following a meeting held at the SLPP Headquarters in Battaramulla, after appointing organisers for the Colombo District and coordinators representing plantation communities in the Nuwara Eliya District, as well as convenors of a senior citizens’ and peace judges’ organisation.

He told the media that the opportunity to engage directly with Russia on energy cooperation had been missed when the BRICS Summit invitation had not been taken up. “Had the President attended the BRICS Summit at that time, Sri Lanka could have received a more positive response from Russia regarding oil much earlier. It would not have been necessary to wait until the Russian Deputy Energy Minister visited Sri Lanka to hold discussions. There was an opportunity to engage on energy matters at that stage itself,” he said.

Namal added that while the opportunity had been missed, he welcomed the fact that discussions were now taking place.

Minister creates a rift

Meanwhile, the continuing discussion over Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody within the ruling party had recently resulted in a meeting of ruling party seniors held at the Pelawatte Party Headquarters turning quite tense. The increasing public criticism of Jayakody over issues related to the energy sector, especially the ongoing coal controversy and the ongoing case before the High Court, have become a concern for many ruling party members as well as Government members.

The meeting in Pelawatte, it is learnt, had been attended by the President, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva, Ministers Bimal Rathnayake and Vijitha Herath, and several other ruling party seniors. 

Although the meeting had started off on a good note with everyone present exchanging pleasantries, the discussion had become quite tense when the ongoing coal controversy and issues related to the energy sector had been taken up for discussion. Several ruling party seniors had noted that it would be best to temporarily remove Minister Jayakody from his portfolio until the conclusion of the ongoing court case. The opinion of many seniors was that the party should not compromise on its policies and that any individual facing a probe and litigation should stay out of public office until the probe and case were concluded.

The President at this point had pointed out that it was not only the Energy Minister who was facing controversy, noting that the Speaker of Parliament was in the midst of controversy as well. He had noted that if action were to be initiated, it should be applied to everyone equally. It is learnt that AKD’s statement was a swipe at the party senior who had proposed Jayakody’s removal from his Cabinet portfolio given that the said senior is closely associated with the Speaker of Parliament.

However, the discussion about the Energy Minister had ended without a conclusion since the President had excused himself from the meeting saying he had a prior engagement.

Pressure to resign

However, pressure continued to mount last week on Jayakody, with calls from both the Opposition and civil society for him to step down from his portfolio until the case against him concludes.

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) issued a statement last Tuesday (31 March) calling on Jayakody to resign from his portfolio since an indictment has been served on him before the Colombo High Court over an alleged financial irregularity probe conducted by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The CPA pointed out that it was incumbent that those holding public office abide by the highest standards of integrity and professionalism that inspire public trust and confidence in Government, adding that conduct that fell short of such standards had to be dealt with swiftly and decisively. 

Given that the indictment has also come at a time when allegations have surfaced about possible irregularities in the procurement of coal for power generation, a function that falls within Jayakody’s purview, such conduct amidst an evolving energy crisis raises critical questions concerning transparency and accountability in relation to public decision-making and the suitability and integrity of those holding public office, according to the CPA.

Meanwhile, senior journalist and activist Uvindu Kurukulasuriya continues to criticise Jayakody’s failure to resign from the Cabinet portfolio and President AKD’s continued defence of Jayakody. Kurukulasuriya took a swipe at the President’s recent defence of Jayakody where he stated that the allegation under probe and involving a court case concerned an incident that had taken place when Jayakody was a public official and not after he was appointed to the Cabinet of Ministers. 

Kurukulasuriya has questioned how President AKD would respond if the allegation was related to child sexual abuse and the case was being filed at present after having gathered evidence over the past few years, asking if the President would ignore the findings and case because the incident had happened before the individual had been appointed as a minister. 

Implicating AKD

Amidst the controversy surrounding Energy Minister Jayakody, President AKD’s name is also being dragged into the ongoing chaos, with some Opposition politicians and social media activists questioning whether the President’s defence of Jayakody is due to his alleged involvement in the ongoing coal controversy.

The argument put forward by Opposition politicians is that the President would only go out of his way to defend the Energy Minister even before his party seniors, compromising party policies, because he is also in the know about the misdoings. 

Several senior Government sources noted that the party had also received complaints about the Energy Minister’s actions in granting approvals for renewable energy generation projects as well. 

President AKD is continuing to face immense pressure over Jayakody and a highly-placed source noted that the President would not be able to ignore the energy sector issues and would be compelled to act soon.

Joint Opposition campaign

Meanwhile, following in the steps of the main Opposition SJB, the joint Opposition platform being formed with the intervention of former Minister G.L. Peiris launched an anti-Government campaign last week with a seminar in Avissawella focusing on the ongoing controversy surrounding coal procurements.

Titled ‘Eththa Denaganna Obath Enna,’ the ongoing series of seminars is focused on “the Government’s coal theft”. While the programme is organised by the joint Opposition, several leaders of Opposition parties including the main Opposition SJB were not present at the first seminar held last week in Avissawella, which was organised by Sugeeshwara Bandara.

It was the SJB that launched a series of islandwide seminars targeting the coal controversy several weeks back, with party seniors taking to the stage to expose the many crises that ail the country’s power sector.

However, the main speakers at the joint Opposition campaign were initially determined to include former Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka and former State Minister of Power and Energy D.V. Chanaka.

However, the SLPP, it is learnt, had decided that Chanaka should not speak at the seminar and also decided that party seniors would not attend the event. 

The Champika conundrum

Amidst the ongoing anti-Government campaign by the joint Opposition, it is learnt that there is dissension brewing within the Opposition camp, with several key Opposition politicians who were part of the initial discussions to form a joint Opposition platform now staying away from programmes organised by the joint Opposition.

This split was first witnessed when a group of senior Opposition political leaders decided to write a joint letter to several international organisations outlining what was termed as “undemocratic” actions of the incumbent Government. 

While many Opposition leaders including Opposition Leader Premadasa signed the letter, former Ministers Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila, and Tiran Alles had not signed it. Weerawansa, Gammanpila, and Alles were active members of the joint Opposition, even participating in meetings convened by former Minister Peiris with other Opposition parties. 

The trio were also absent at the anti-Government seminar launched in Avissawella by the joint Opposition.

It is learnt that there are growing concerns among some members of the joint Opposition that Peiris is being partial towards former Minister Ranawaka and has begun to promote him as the leader of the political alliance in the making. 

It is also learnt that while the likes of Alles were keen on forming an Opposition alliance that also includes the SJB, some Opposition members backing Peiris’ joint Opposition platform are only keen on getting some SJBers to the fold without the party leadership.

SLPP’s move

Meanwhile, the SLPP led by the Rajapaksas is continuing to maintain its distance from the ongoing efforts by Peiris as well as Alles to form an Opposition platform and seem to be watching the developments in Opposition politics.

The SLPP has attended meetings organised by Peiris and Alles but has remained largely independent in the manner of several other Opposition political parties like the Sarvajana Balaya.

Some Opposition members who had attended the Avissawella seminar have also cautioned Peiris that he should think twice before promoting Ranawaka since it could also result in some other Opposition parties opting out of the platform being formed. They have also cited Ranawaka’s speech at the event, pointing out that he had taken some hard-hitting swipes at former President Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) and his administration despite holding a portfolio at the time.

Meeting at GL’s

However, following last week’s seminar in Avissawella by a group of Opposition parties, a meeting was convened at former Minister Peiris’ residence on Monday (30 March). The meeting was attended by Wajira Abeywardena, Thalatha Atukorale, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Premnath C. Dolawatte, Sugeeshwara Bandara, Gamini Waleboda, Mano Ganesan, Rohitha Abeygunawardhana, and Senal Welgama.

The meeting had commenced with a debrief of the event held in Avissawella and everyone had commented that it was a success. When the question was posed on where the next seminar would be held, Sagala Ratnayaka had said that he would organise the second seminar in Matara and it was decided to hold the next event in early May.

The next question was whether the second seminar should also be held on the same theme as the first one or to change the theme of each seminar. It was the opinion of a majority that the Government would present the Opposition with a theme at the time of the second seminar.

Alagiyawanna had then noted that he would organise the third seminar in the Gampaha District.

Also discussed was the frequency of holding the joint Opposition seminars – whether they should be held once a month or twice a month.

Accordingly, it was decided that the third seminar would be held in the Kegalle District organised by Sudath Manjula and the fourth in the Ratnapura District organised by Atukorale and Waleboda.

The meeting had concluded on a high note, with the participants noting that the joint Opposition had scheduled a series of seminars for the next few months and had also decided to hold a weekly press briefing with all parties being represented at it.

Cracks in the Opposition

Be that as it may, Peiris’ efforts to form a joint Opposition platform is facing a stumbling block, with initial members of the programme slowly taking a step back while many have started to express concerns and suspicions over the real motive behind forming such a platform.

It should be noted that forming political alliances is no easy task, especially given the differences of policies followed by each political party.

The ongoing efforts to form a joint Opposition platform have resulted in meetings being held in two venues led by two Opposition politicians. While one set of meetings is led by Peiris and held at his residence, the other set of meetings is led by former Minister Tiran Alles at his office on Rosemead Place in Colombo 7. It now seems that there is a division even in the attempt to unite the fractured Opposition.

Despite the meetings at both venues being attended by the same Opposition politicians, there is one Opposition leader who only attends meetings held at Peiris’ residence. That is Patali Champika Ranawaka.

It is learnt that Ranawaka prefers to stay out of meetings at Alles’ place since his political nemesis, Udaya Gammanpila, attends those meetings.

It is evident therefore that the formation of a broad Opposition political platform could take time, unless the incumbent Government presents the groundwork for all parties to unite, casting their differences aside for a common cause.

Udaya’s anticlimax

Meanwhile, there was much focus on the book launched by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila on the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks. The event took place at the auditorium of the Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Mandiraya in Colombo 4 last Tuesday (31 March).

Former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and many Opposition party leaders attended the event. It was also interesting to see senior United National Party (UNP) members Sagala Ratnayaka, Wajira Abeywardena, and Thalatha Atukorale as well as several senior SJB members including the party’s General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara also at the event.

Everyone was gathered to find out the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks that was to be Gammanpila’s great revelation. Gammanpila even claimed earlier that the Government was conspiring to put him behind bars to prevent his book from being launched and the mastermind behind the attacks being revealed.

However, at the launch of the book, Gammanpila claimed that the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks was none other than Zahran Hashim. This statement, despite not being a surprise to any who were present at the event, resulted in much ridicule on social media platforms by pro-Government individuals/groups. It was also witnessed by some social media activists as yet another attempt to cover up the real culprits behind the Easter Sunday attacks.

The book, the event, and Gammanpila’s revelation did not fare well with many Opposition politicians despite receiving applause by the ultra-nationalist political camp and the Rajapaksa camp. Senior UNPers and SJBers were also seen making critical remarks about the event and expressing disappointment at their respective party seniors who had attended it. 

“There was a function to unveil the mastermind of the Easter attacks. Surprise, surprise – the mastermind was mentioned as Zahran Hashim, who was anyway mentioned in the Presidential Commission report,” UNP senior Navin Dissanayake said.

He further remarked that the event being held on 31 March was ironic, describing it as something that “should have been held on April Fool’s Day”.

Dissanayake also expressed regret that several Opposition figures had attended the event, including Opposition Leader Premadasa and the UNP’s Ratnayaka, Abeywardena, and Atukorale.

Displeasure over Sajith’s presence

Apart from the UNP’s Dissanayake, many SJBers were also displeased with Premadasa and several party seniors for attending Gammanpila’s book launch.

One of the first SJBers to express displeasure over Premadasa’s participation at the book launch was SJB MP Mujibur Rahman, who has been a vociferous critic of the Easter Sunday probe, claiming there were many loopholes that needed to be investigated.

Along with Rahman, several other SJB MPs have continuously claimed that the probe needed to uncover the real mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks, since they allege that the real mastermind is the one who had manipulated the leader of the suicide bombers, Hashim, and orchestrated the attacks.

SJB MP Nalin Bandara meanwhile has openly questioned Premadasa’s attendance at the book launch. Bandara has jokingly suggested to the media that Premadasa’s pictures at the event could have been made using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

“He can’t be there. It might be AI. He might have been put there using AI technology,” Bandara said, in a sarcastic remark questioning the Opposition Leader’s participation.

Bandara also claimed that individuals responsible for promoting racism in the country had attended the event and alleged that both “big and small masterminds” behind the Easter Sunday attacks were present at the gathering.

According to Bandara, during the time of the Easter Sunday attacks, he had served as Deputy Minister of Law and Order and maintained that there were masterminds behind the attacks beyond the suicide bombers. He has further noted that it was the Government’s responsibility to identify those accountable, adding that he rejected Gammanpila’s book, which reportedly identifies suicide bomber Zahran Hashim as the mastermind, describing it as an attempt to protect the real perpetrators.

While the likes of Bandara made public their displeasure over Premadasa’s conduct, there were many SJBers who privately expressed their displeasure as well.

The public expression of displeasure by some SJB seniors over Premadasa’s attendance along with several party seniors at Gammanpila’s book launch finally resulted in SJB General Secretary Madduma Bandara stating that the party did not agree with what was written in the book.

Madduma Bandara noted that Premadasa and the other SJBers had attended the event since they had been invited for it. “When someone invites us to a book launch, we attend. This doesn’t mean we know the contents of the book before the launch. We attended the book launch to find out about its contents. Just because we attended the event doesn’t mean that we agree with the contents,” he added.

Talking of national security

Meanwhile, the SLPP’s Namal Rajapaksa, like the senior Rajapaksas who have championed the platform of national security and driven narratives that have even resulted in them winning Presidential Elections in the past, has also started to speak of national security.

Commenting on the arrest of former Head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Major General (Retd) Suresh Sallay, Namal noted that such developments could have serious implications for national security. He questioned whether weakening the intelligence and security apparatus would allow the country to maintain adequate national security, drawing parallels with what he described as similar shortcomings during the previous ‘Yahapalana’ Government.

Namal also stated that under a future government led by his party, a special presidential commission would be appointed to investigate what he alleged was a conspiracy involving financial backing to overthrow the Government of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (GR).

He further noted that he had requested the Speaker to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee to probe the matter but had not yet received a response and warned that failure to investigate such incidents could pose risks to any government in power, including the current administration.

Nalinda’s hit

However, the Government has responded saying that Gammanpila’s revelation would not have a bearing on the ongoing investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks. Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa made this comment in response to questions posed by journalists on whether Gammanpila’s revelation would have an impact on the ongoing probe.

Jayatissa also noted that if Gammanpila was in possession of information related to the Easter Sunday attacks, such information should have been presented to the investigators and added that the ongoing investigation would not be affected by Gammanpila’s book.

Sajith assures SJB-UNP alliance

Meanwhile, Opposition and SJB Leader Premadasa continues to assure SJBers and UNPers that moves to form an alliance between the two parties are in a positive place and that the alliance would definitely be formed before the next elections.

Premadasa, it is learnt, has recently discussed with a group of party seniors about the next steps in the talks with the UNP. It was the opinion of all at the discussion that the SJB-UNP alliance needs to be properly formed at the right time and should not be hurried.

It is also learnt that the SJB side had communicated this to the UNP seniors who have been engaged in talks with the SJB and that they too have understood that the alliance needs to be launched at a decisive time.

The SJB seniors have also informed the UNP seniors that the two sides need to look at practical ways of moving forward, given that the UNP leadership backed by a few UNPers with vested interests had presented a set of proposals to the SJB outlining how the formation of a joint framework should be done.

RW’s recovery path

Meanwhile, several UNP seniors noted that Party Leader, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was well on the path to recovery and had now started to walk and engage in light exercise. 

One UNP senior noted that Wickremesinghe was now 20 years younger following his heart surgery and was expected to return to Sri Lanka within the next few weeks.

Summoning EC and AG

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) appointed to study the legal impediments preventing the holding of the delayed Provincial Council (PC) Elections have summoned members of the Election Commission (EC) and the Attorney General’s Department for a discussion in Parliament on Tuesday (7).

The PSC had recently held a meeting under the chairmanship of Minister Vijitha Herath and many members in the committee have proposed that the delayed PC Elections be held under the old Proportional Representation (PR) system and to amend the electoral system afterwards.

EC report

Meanwhile, the Election Commission is looking at studying shortcomings in four pieces of legislation related to key polls – Presidential, Parliamentary, Provincial Council, and Local Government Elections.

It is learnt that the commission is looking at preparing a report identifying the shortcomings in the legislation related to the four key elections and holding a discussion based on the report with political party representatives. 

Following consultations with political parties, the Election Commission is expected to hand over the report to the Cabinet of Ministers for further action.