Sri Lanka is once again feeling the pressure of the country’s arduous economic recovery path with the nearing of the 1 August deadline for US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs to kick in and the country still trying to strike a deal favourable for Sri Lanka and its exports industry.
Several countries in the Asian region have either struck favourable deals with the US on trade tariffs or have been imposed with manageable tariff levels. However, for a country on the mend, the 30% trade tariffs by the US above the existing tariffs could have a devastating impact on Sri Lanka’s ailing economy.
The mounting pressure is evident by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) himself intervening in the negotiations with the US Trade Department to negotiate favourable terms for Sri Lankan exports to the US. AKD on Friday (25) evening held a virtual discussion with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer aimed at reducing the proposed US trade tariffs on Sri Lankan exports.
However, the outcome of ongoing negotiations on reaching a trade deal with the US is still in limbo.
Sri Lanka meanwhile is also assessing the technical feasibility of importing petroleum products from the US as part of a broader effort to expand supply options in line with emerging trade opportunities between the two countries.
Nevertheless, given Sri Lanka’s current economic conditions and pressure on revenue targets, the country is also not in a position to offer zero-tariff access to the US similar to the offers granted by countries like Vietnam and the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka also held talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on its next review with a mission in Colombo from Monday (21) till Friday (25). Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando said that Sri Lanka would discuss the progress achieved so far and the way forward. The country’s next review is due in October this year based on end-June data and continuous performance criteria.
At the conclusion of the latest review, the IMF has urged that the AKD Government’s 2026 Budget be prepared in line with programme parameters and has warned that the Trump tariffs are a risk to the economy, which is recovering.
“While the economic outlook is positive, downside risks have increased on the back of potentially high tariffs on Sri Lanka’s exports, persistent trade policy uncertainty, and heightened geopolitical tensions,” IMF Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou said in a statement at the end of a staff visit.
“This underscores the critical importance of maintaining the reform momentum and the efforts to rebuild fiscal space and external buffers.
“These reforms will enhance Sri Lanka’s resilience to shocks and safeguard the hard-won economic progress to date. Should such shocks materialise, they will be addressed within the contours of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.”
The formulation of the 2026 Budget poses the next challenge to President AKD in his capacity as Finance Minister since the utilisation of budgetary allocations in key sectors remains at appalling levels. In some areas, budgetary allocation utilisation remains less than 20%.
It is therefore evident that President AKD and his Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Government would have to be innovative in addressing the existing challenges.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has modestly reduced Sri Lanka’s economic growth forecast for 2025, according to the bank’s Asian Development Outlook July 2025. The revision reflects broader regional adjustments influenced by new US tariff policies.
The report has noted that Sri Lanka has experienced broad-based growth in the first quarter of 2025. However, uncertainties over US tariffs have weighed on trade prospects, prompting a downward adjustment.
Additionally, the ADB has highlighted risks on the horizon for 2026, particularly regarding the potential under-execution of capital spending.
“Economic growth in Sri Lanka was broad-based in Q1 2025, but growth forecasts have been revised down, with US tariff uncertainty weighing on 2025 and risks from under execution of capital spending affecting the 2026 outlook,” the report has noted.
Constitutional work
The JVP/NPP Government meanwhile says that initial steps are being taken to introduce a new constitution in line with the pledge made by the ruling party in the run-up to last year’s elections. This was revealed by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Parliament last Friday (25).
The Premier made this statement in response to a question raised by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ajith P. Perera. Amarasuriya assured the House that a new constitution would be introduced before the end of the term of the present Government, following multi-stakeholder consultations and broad public consensus.
The Premier’s statement comes at a time when the Government is looking at introducing a constitutional amendment to address some key concerns related to the Constitutional Council (CC) and independent commissions.
New Chief Justice
Meanwhile, a key appointment in the country’s Judiciary took place last week as Chief Justice Murdu Fernando is set to retire today (27), with her last serving day being Friday (25).
The finalisation of the new Chief Justice became one of the most watched matters in the past few weeks. The reason for the heightened interest in the new chief justice was the frontrunners in the race for the post – Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, S. Thurairaja, A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Kumudini Wickremasinghe, and Yasantha Kodagoda.
However, President AKD on Monday (21) sent his nominee for the chief justice post to the Constitutional Council that was scheduled to meet last Wednesday (23). The President nominated Surasena for the post of Chief Justice.
It was no easy feat for the President to look at the seniority list among the Supreme Court justices to make a final call on his choice to send to the CC.
Surasena, who took oaths as an Attorney-at-Law in 1989, served at the Attorney General’s Department until he was appointed as a High Court Judge in 2007 by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. In January 2016, Surasena was appointed to the Court of Appeal by then President Maithripala Sirisena, who later appointed him as the President of the Appeal Court in January 2018. Afterwards, in January 2019, President Sirisena also appointed Surasena to the Supreme Court.
The new CJ’s verdicts
The Constitutional Council-approved incoming Chief Justice Surasena had delivered some key verdicts as a Judge in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
While in the High Court, Justice Surasena had delivered the death penalty to drug smuggler Gampola Vidanelage Samantha Kumara alias Wele Suda in the case filed by the Attorney General against Wele Suda for the possession of and smuggling narcotic drugs.
While in the Court of Appeal, Justice Surasasena led the bench of judges who heard the writ petition filed by 122 MPs against President Sirisena for creating a constitutional crisis by removing then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointing Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. Surasena and the rest of the judges issued an interim order against Rajapaksa and his Cabinet of Ministers until the case was heard since it seemed Sirisena had violated the Constitution.
Surasena had also given the verdict of a six-year jail term for Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera over contempt of court charges. After hearing the case on former MP Geetha Kumarasinghe’s suitability to hold a parliamentary seat, Justice Surasena issued a writ that Kumarasinghe was not suitable to hold a parliamentary seat due to her Swiss citizenship. Surasena’s decision was also upheld by the Supreme Court.
As a Justice of the Supreme Court, it was Surasena who led the three-judge bench that issued a directive nullifying the presidential pardon issued to former MP Duminda Silva. Another judge bench led by Surasena issued a directive that resulted in former Minister Nazeer Ahamed losing his parliamentary seat.
Justice Surasena also led the three-judge bench that had issued an enjoining order cancelling a Cabinet decision that was taken to allocate a luxury residence to former President Maithripala Sirisena after his retirement. Another three-judge bench led by Justice Surasena had issued an enjoining order preventing electronic visa issuance to two private companies.
More appointments
Meanwhile, several new appointments have taken place in the country’s legal field. Court of Appeal Justice Ratnapriya Gurusinghe’s name has been proposed to the President to be appointed to the Supreme Court to fill the vacancy created by outgoing Chief Justice Fernando’s retirement. It is also learnt that the name of Supreme Court Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena has been proposed to fill the vacancy in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Another key appointment related to the legal sector was the appointment of Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne as the Head of the Criminal Division of the Attorney General’s Department by Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe. Dayaratne is now the head of both the Civil and Criminal Divisions of the Attorney General’s Department.
Senior Deputy Solicitors General Hiranjan Peiris, Azard Navavi, Lakmali Karunanayake, and Sudharshana De Silva have meanwhile been appointed as Additional Solicitors General.
RW joins the list
Meanwhile, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe last week joined a list of the country’s executive presidents who have been found to have violated the country’s Constitution. Former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and now Wickremesinghe have all faced accusations of violating the country’s Constitution.
The Supreme Court last week ruled that the islandwide State of Emergency declared on 17 July 2022 by then Acting President Wickremesinghe was unconstitutional and violated fundamental human rights.
A majority of the three-judge bench, including Chief Justice Murdu Fernando and Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, had held that the Emergency Regulations issued under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance were arbitrary and invalid. However, Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere, dissenting, ruled that the regulations did not infringe on fundamental rights.
Wickremesinghe had enacted the regulation in 2022 to control mass protests during the height of the ‘Aragalaya’ protest movement. The court has however determined that the imposition of Emergency law disproportionately curtailed basic freedoms.
Complaint to CID
Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe is also named as a party to a complaint lodged before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) by Mihintale Rajamaha Vihara Chief Incumbent Walahahengunawewa Dhammarathana Thera.
The Thera had recently lodged a complaint with the CID alleging that the Anula Chethiya in Mihintale under his purview, which is over 2,000 years old, had been sold for Rs. 300 million. The Thera has lodged the complaint against Wickremesinghe and several others.
The complaint has been filed against Ven. Bodagama Chandima Thera, Wickremesinghe, former Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka, former Director General of the Archaeology Department Thusitha Mendis, and several other officials.
According to Dhammarathana Thera, the alleged sale had been carried out in a fraudulent manner and even the Chief Prelate of the Malwatta Chapter was not aware of the incident. The Thera has told the media that he had uncovered the whereabouts of the Anula Stupa and that then Buddha Sasana Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had been informed of this.
“After the location of the stupa was publicised, the initial work was planned under Department of Archaeology Director General Anura Manatunga. While the preservation work was carried out in a scientific manner at the beginning, it was later seen to be conducted in an ad hoc manner. Now an investigation has to be conducted to determine the alleged financial irregularities and other irregularities that had taken place at the time.”
Focus on ministers
Meanwhile, the ongoing investigations into alleged fraud and corruption have extended to include members of the incumbent Government.
The Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court last Friday (25) ordered the Colombo Fraud Investigation Bureau to record statements from Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe, and Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal over an alleged financial fraud of around Rs. 3.6 million that had taken place in leasing out a land and building allegedly using forged documents.
The case is to be taken up again on 22 August.
Nilantha’s dismissal
Meanwhile, the dismissal of former Head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Nilantha Jayawardena from the Police Department, following a decision by the National Police Commission (NPC) sparked quite a discussion this past week.
The NPC had dismissed Jayawardena from the Police Department following findings of a committee that had probed whether he had failed to carry out his duties as the Intelligence Chief at the time to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019.
However, it is learnt that the NPC decision on 18 July to dismiss Jayawardena had been reached at a time when a preliminary disciplinary inquiry held into Jayawardena on his duties as Intelligence Chief during the time of the Easter Sunday attacks had found no grounds to initiate disciplinary action against him.
It is learnt that this preliminary committee had been appointed on 28 February 2023, headed by Public Administration, Home Affairs, Local Government, and Provincial Council Ministry Additional Secretary (Inquiries) Dammika Muthugala.
The preliminary inquiry report by this committee had reportedly been submitted on 11 July 2023 and it has stated that since the Head of State Intelligence had not been issued a list of duties, it would be good to inform the Defence Ministry secretary to issue such a list of duties to the holder of such a position.
It has been reportedly observed by the committee that some Police officers, including Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), had not acted on intelligence that they had received from Intelligence and had also not acted on the instructions issued.
It has also been noted that while there were many bomb explosions that had taken place during the period of the war, there was no proper recording of Intelligence information and that action had also not been initiated, especially in relation to failing to carry out duties against any head of Intelligence in those times. Also, it has been reportedly noted that regardless of how many attacks had taken place, no Intelligence chief in any part of the world had been accused of not obtaining proper intelligence.
It has been further noted that Jayawardena had immediately taken steps to inform the relevant officials of the threat of an attack on 21 April 2019 and that there were no grounds therefore to charge sheet and take disciplinary action against him.
However, the NPC, which had met on 18 July, had decided to dismiss Jayawardena from the Police Department. The commission has stated that according to a formal disciplinary investigation report submitted to it on 4 July by a three-member tribunal, Jayawardena – who was on compulsory leave – had been found guilty of all charges listed in the charge sheet.
Cardinal’s pressure
Jayawardena’s dismissal follows years of public pressure and repeated calls for accountability from families of victims of the Easter Sunday attacks, religious leaders, especially from the Catholic Church, and Opposition politicians.
Leading the charge in the demand for justice has been Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who has continuously demanded justice for Easter Sunday attacks victims from successive governments.
However, President AKD and the JVP/NPP Government feels the pressure most since justice for Easter Sunday attacks victims was one of their key pledges during last year’s elections.
Even at the recent event held to mark 50 years since Cardinal Ranjith entered the priesthood, President AKD made a controversial statement saying that the probe on the Easter Sunday attacks had posed many challenges, including the turning of the investigation inwards towards the State apparatus.
Catholic Church’s dilemma
Meanwhile, Jayawardena’s dismissal from the Police Department resulted in the Catholic Church also facing a dilemma, especially following a statement made by Catholic Church of Sri Lanka Director of Mass Communications Fr. Jude Krishantha.
Speaking during a news conference, Fr. Krishantha has stated: “In my opinion, even a life sentence is not enough. For a crime of this magnitude, the death penalty is what justice demands.” This expression was indicative of the depth of the Catholic Church’s continued grief and demand for accountability.
However, Fr. Krishantha’s statement about the ‘death penalty’ drew public condemnation on social media, resulting in Archdiocese of Colombo Director of Communications Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando holding another media briefing, stating that the Colombo Archdiocese was against capital punishment, in response to the remark linked to former Chief of the SIS SDIG Jayawardena.
Fr. Fernando had noted that Fr. Krishantha’s statement was a personal opinion and that the Colombo Archdiocese was against capital punishment. It was reiterated that Fr. Krishantha’s comment was not the opinion of the Catholic Church.
Fr. Fernando had further stated that the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks had recommended initiating action against Jayawardena and that the Colombo Archdiocese expected all recommendations to be implemented.
He had added that the Colombo Archdiocese, however, was grateful for the decision to dismiss Jayawardena from the Police service over allegations of dereliction of duty related to the Easter attacks.
Meanwhile, the Nawa Janatha Peramuna (New People’s Front) last week visited the Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature to Sri Lanka and lodged a complaint against Fr. Krishantha’s statement.
Denying Bimal’s statement
The Colombo Archdiocese has also gone on to refute statements that the Archbishop of Colombo had requested the reinstatement of former Director of the CID Shani Abeysekara and retired Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne to head the investigations by the current Government into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
Fr. Fernando has refuted a recent statement made by Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake in Parliament that Abeysekara and Seneviratne were brought into the Police force on the request of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.
Refuting Rathnayake’s statement, Fr. Fernando has told the media that no such request had been made from the President or any other person by Cardinal Ranjith or the Colombo Archdiocese.
Fr. Fernando has said that the team probing the Easter Sunday attacks had changed following the election of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as President in November 2019.
“During this change, Ravi Seneviratne retired and Shani Abeysekara was arrested and remanded. The original team was completely changed and transferred. The probe into the Easter attacks stalled because of this,” he has explained, clarifying that a request was only made by the Colombo Archdiocese to include the previously transferred officers of the CID, who were involved in the initial probe, to the teams continuing the investigations into the Easter attacks.
Focus on Deputy Minister
Meanwhile, focus has also been turned on Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera over the Easter Sunday attacks.
Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman has urged the Government to ensure that the Deputy Minister of Defence, who had also served as the head of the eastern region at the time of the Easter Sunday attacks, be removed from his current post to enable ongoing investigations into the attacks to be carried out smoothly.
Rahman told a news conference that the Deputy Minister of Defence had also admitted that some members of the Intelligence community had been involved in the Easter Sunday attacks.
“The Deputy Minister of Defence was a stakeholder of the State apparatus at the time of the attacks. He and his officers who served under him have to also be subjected to the probe.
“How can investigations be carried out impartially when an individual holding an important position at the time of the attacks is holding a senior post in the defence sector? If the President wants an impartial inquiry, then he needs to first remove the Deputy Minister of Defence from the post,” the MP added.
Rahman also raised the issue in Parliament last Friday (25).
No need to resign
However, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated in Parliament on Friday that there was no necessity for Deputy Minister Jayasekera to resign to ensure a fair probe into the Easter Sunday attacks as the probe was being carried out by the Public Security Ministry.
Wijepala made this statement in response to questions posed by Opposition MPs Chaminda Wijesiri and Mujibur Rahman as to how the Government could ensure a free and fair probe into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks with the Deputy Minister of Defence in office as he was aware of facts, being the Security Forces Commander of the east during the time of the attack.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya also assured a free and fair probe while also questioning members of the Opposition who were in Government since the 2019 attacks for failing to ensure a successful probe until now, since the incumbent Deputy Minister of Defence did not hold any portfolio during the period.
Deshabandu also axed
Meanwhile, focus on the Police Department continued till mid-week with the recommendation by a special Committee of Inquiry to remove suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon from office.
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament last Tuesday (22) that the report of the Committee of Inquiry probing allegations of gross abuse of power against suspended IGP Tennakoon had found him guilty of all charges and had recommended his removal.
Following is the statement made by the Speaker while presenting the report of the investigative committee to Parliament.
“Today, I wish to bring to the attention of this august assembly a matter of profound constitutional and institutional significance. As you are aware, under the provisions of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act No.5 of 2002, a Committee of Inquiry was appointed to investigate and report on the grounds for the removal of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP). I have now received the formal findings of the committee, duly constituted in accordance with the act.”
The Speaker placed on record the sincere gratitude and appreciation to the distinguished members of the committee for their diligence, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law.
The committee – comprising Supreme Court Justice Preethi Padman Surasena as Chairman, and Court of Appeal Justice Neil Iddawala and National Police Commission Chairman Lalith Ekanayake as members – has stated: “This committee, having conducted its inquiries, has unanimously found the officer in question guilty of the allegations brought against him, in accordance with Section 8(2) of the act.
“This marks a historic moment in our constitutional journey – the first time in the history of the Republic of Sri Lanka that such a committee has submitted its findings recommending the removal of an Inspector General of Police under the provisions of the law enacted by Parliament.
“As mandated under Section 17 of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act, I am obliged – and hereby undertake – to place the finding of guilt in the form of a resolution in the Order Paper of Parliament for the consideration and vote of this House.”
Speaker Wickramaratne on Wednesday (23) informed Parliament of the steps that would follow the committee’s recommendation. Under the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act No.5 of 2002, the Speaker is required to place the committee’s finding of guilt as a resolution in the Parliament’s Order Paper.
According to Section 17 of the act, this resolution must be included in the Order Paper, after which a minimum of five days must elapse before the Committee on Parliamentary Business decides the date for debate. If a majority of members of Parliament, including those absent, vote in favour of the resolution, the IGP will be officially removed from office.
Accordingly, the Parliamentary Business Committee has decided that the proposal to remove Tennakoon from office will be taken up for debate on 5 August.
Race for IGP post
Following the recommendation of the Committee of Inquiry to dismiss Tennakoon from the Police, a renewed battle has emerged for the top seat in the Police Department.
Once Tennakoon was suspended pending investigation, there was quite a race among several senior Police personnel to secure the top seat in the Police force. Some officers had even sought divine intervention to secure the promotion. However, the Government appointed Priyantha Weerasooriya as the Acting IGP.
Now with the process in motion to permanently remove Tennakoon from the IGP post, there is yet another cold war brewing among some senior Police personnel to become the next IGP.
Cutting perks
Amidst all these goings-on, the Cabinet of Ministers has last week approved a proposal to gazette and present in Parliament a draft bill to amend the Presidents Entitlements Act No.4 of 1986. The proposed amendments are aimed at scaling back special privileges granted to former presidents, their families, and retired MPs.
The latest decision follows last month’s Cabinet decision to draft the necessary legislation to repeal both the Presidents Entitlements Act and the Parliamentary Pensions Law No.1 of 1977.
Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa clarified to the media at the weekly Cabinet briefing that the proposed amendment to reduce entitlements was not aimed at any individual former president.
“The Government is responsible for the security of all citizens, including former presidents. There is also a court ruling regarding the security of the former President, and all these factors were considered when drafting the legislation,” he said in response to questions posed by the media about former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government’s previous statements about reacquiring Rajapaksa’s official residence.
Lalkantha the newsmaker
Meanwhile, outspoken senior JVP/NPPer, Minister K.D. Lalkantha has become quite a newsmaker by making several harsh, yet seemingly realistic, statements in public.
Lalkantha has recently stated that the Government will import rice if local prices witness a significant increase. Speaking at a public function, the Minister has said the current administration’s policy prioritises affordability and food security over strict self-reliance.
“If rice is sold at high prices, we will import it,” Lalkantha said, noting that the Government did not necessarily adhere to a “we eat what we grow” (‘api wewwoth api kanava’) approach.
However, Lalkantha’s statement was criticised by farmers and Opposition legislators.
Acting on tank land encroachers
Not stopping at that, Minister Lalkantha went on to threaten individuals and institutions that have allegedly constructed structures in tank reserve lands. He claimed that the work to clear tank reserves of any illegal constructions would commence from Nuwara Wewa in Anuradhapura.
The Minister said that currently the tank reserves of all major tanks, as well as small tanks, had been illegally used by politicians and their cronies as well as the public for various personal purposes.
He pointed out that there were many illegal constructions in numerous reserves and that politicians and officials of successive governments were behind granting permission for such structures. Lalkantha went on to call on all those occupying lands in tank reserves to move out voluntarily before they were forcibly moved out.
According to the Minister, all unauthorised constructions will be removed from the tank reserves in the future after properly demarcating the reserve lands and water will be released to farmers to cultivate Yala, Maha, and intermediate seasons without any hindrance.
It has been reported that politicians have illegally constructed hotels with swimming pools on lands reserved for 22 tanks in the Anuradhapura District.
FSP challenges Lalkantha
However, a splinter group of the JVP, the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP), has challenged Minister Lalkantha to show how serious he is about clearing tank reserve lands of illegal occupation by acting on the illegal constructions on the Parakrama Samudra tank reserves in Polonnaruwa.
The FSP’s Indrananda De Silva claims that millionaire businessman Dudley Sirisena has built a hotel on a tank reserve land in Polonnaruwa and alleged that the Irrigation Department has to open sluice gates without letting water accumulate in the tank over a certain limit.
“As a result, 1,000 cubic metres of water are wasted annually just to ensure the safety of a hotel built illegally on a tank reserve,” De Silva noted, adding that challenge to Minister Lalkantha now was to convert his words to action and act against this illegally constructed hotel on the Parakrama Samudra reserve land.
There were also posts on social media claiming that Sirisena’s support for the ruling party during elections would protect him from any adverse actions of the incumbent Government.
Bouquet and brickbats
Lalkantha, responding to the FSP’s challenge, claimed that no one was above the law, not even Dudley Sirisena.
The Minister explained that the removal of illegal structures from tank reserve land would continue in stages and the public should not be misled by politically motivated claims. Lalkantha further explained during a recent public meeting that the allegations were baseless and that the Government would not hesitate to act against Sirisena as well.
However, he clarified that the selection of reservoirs for the programme was based on a set process used by the Department of Irrigation and limited Government funding.
“We started the programme just yesterday (19 July). There are many tanks with illegal constructions and we’re working in phases,” he noted, adding: “This year, we have Rs. 100 million allocated. We can’t cover everything with that.”
While referring to Sirisena’s hotel in the Parakrama Samudra reserve, Lalkantha also acknowledged the former’s role in selling rice without stones that did not have to be washed thoroughly like in the past and in maintaining rice supplies in the country. He, however, added that the Government had concerns over whether fair prices were being paid to paddy farmers.
Nalinda downplays
However, Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa last week downplayed Lalkantha’s statement about removing illegal constructions, including hotels, on tank reserves. Jayatissa told the weekly Cabinet press briefing last week that this year would be for the demarcation of tank reserve land area only.
Journalists questioned the Minister on whether the Government has made a policy decision to remove illegal constructions on tank reserves. It was also pointed out that Abimansala, which is a home for injured soldiers, the Provincial Chief Minister’s bungalow, a hotel belonging to Gnana Akka, and several other constructions were located on the tank reserve land of the Nuwara Wewa in Anuradhapura.
According to Jayatissa, the Cabinet had decided to allocate funds amounting to Rs. 100 million this year under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative. “It was decided that tank reserves would be marked for 48 tanks and 23 are to be marked in 2025. The first action is to demarcate the tank reserves. Next is for the relevant authorities to take the relevant action,” the Minister added.
Three to lead Opposition
Meanwhile, on the Opposition side of the divide, details have started to emerge of a secret meeting that had been held recently, attended by a group of Opposition MPs, where the discussion had focused on the current political developments in the country as well as the need for a fresh and strong leadership for the Opposition.
It is learnt that a group of Opposition members have discussed the possible candidates for the role of Opposition leader of Parliament. Among the names that had been looked at as possible candidates for the Opposition leader’s post had been Dayasiri Jayasekara and Harsha de Silva. It had also been discussed whether a new approach should be taken by looking at a female Opposition MP to take the role of Opposition leader.
However, it is interesting to note that the group had unanimously agreed on the fact that whoever was being looked at as the next Opposition leader should not be someone who could be influenced by either former President Wickremesinghe or incumbent Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
It is however learnt that there had been one criticism against Jayasekara – that he was beginning to follow a nationalist doctrine like that of the Rajapaksas and that it was a political move.
However, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has officially denied reports about a change in party leadership as well as in the leadership of the Opposition in Parliament.
Sagara speaks of Sajith
Amidst talk of an anti-Premadasa movement emerging among some factions of the SJB, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam had said something interesting in jest.
During a recent media interview, Kariyawasam had stated that even Premadasa (Sajith) could join the SLPP. He had made this statement in response to a question about the ongoing restructuring work of the SLPP.
Namal’s changes
Meanwhile, the SLPP, it is learnt, is looking at expanding its network among social media activists. SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa had initiated a programme recently to expand the party network among digital media activists.
During the programme, it is learnt, there has been a discussion on the freedom of expression on social media platforms and acting responsibly when engaging in one’s freedom of expression.
FSP-JVP/NPP clash
Meanwhile, the issue between the JVP and FSP, which have been at loggerheads since the latter split from the former, took a new twist last week with a new group of students claiming to be the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) declaring it had secured power over the student movement with the support of student councils from several State universities.
The IUSF, which was formerly under the control of the JVP, was taken over by the FSP when members of the FSP split from the JVP.
Convenor of the new IUSF Sasindu Perera, addressing a media conference, stated that the era of students being manipulated to serve the interests of certain groups was over and that due to the IUSF being deemed as puppets of certain groups in the past, a decision had to be made to re-constitute the federation with the support of various student councils of several universities.
“In the past, the public had a view that the IUSF worked in the interests of certain groups. So, we needed to engage with other student councils and form the IUSF, which will now genuinely represent the students and their needs. We have created an independent IUSF that will solely work for the benefit of university students and the public,” he said.
Perera also alleged that the Government was making decisions pertaining to educational reforms without consulting students and lecturers. He further expressed hope that the incumbent Government, unlike previous administrations, would include suggestions by students pertaining to education reforms.
FSP’s IUSF hits out
Meanwhile, the FSP-backed IUSF has accused the Government of attempting to create chaos within the student movement by using its party (ruling party) representatives as university student leaders to push through its privatisation plans in the education sector.
Issuing a statement signed by Convenor Madhushan Chandrajith, the IUSF has stated that this is being done using the respected name, official logos, and letterheads of the Inter-University Students’ Federation.
“Without being deceived by these false narratives and ideas, we call upon the entire university community and the general public to come forward to defeat the current Government’s oppressive agenda,” the statement has further noted.
Dilip’s false arrest
Meanwhile, Opposition MP Dilip Wedaarachchi has spoken of his recent predicament where he had been arrested by the Police. The MP has alleged in Parliament last week that he was falsely arrested by the Police for drunk driving.
“I was arrested by the Fort Police while I was returning from the airport after picking up my son who returned from overseas. I was accused of drunk driving. I was dragged to the Police station and was subjected to tests. The tests proved that I had not been under the influence of liquor. Therefore, I request the Speaker to summon the relevant Police personnel and advise them on dealing with MPs,” Wedaarachchi has noted.
Chamindranee’s complaint
Meanwhile, another Opposition MP has raised a privileges issue over being allegedly named in an illegal land takeover in the Hanthana area. MP Chamindranee Kiriella had raised a privilege issue on Tuesday (22) against the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), alleging that the committee had come up with a false allegation that she had illegally taken over State land in Hanthana.
“I don’t own any plots of land in Hanthana, nor have I taken over any State-owned land. I request the Speaker to act against COPE and others who disseminate false information,” Kiriella had requested the Speaker.
MPs’ families clash
Meanwhile, a clash between two families of MPs emerged recently following the arrest of SJB MP Jagath Withana’s son over a case related to an illegally assembled vehicle. The clash is over Withana’s family and that of former Minister and incumbent MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena.
Initial investigations had found that the illegally imported SUV had been sold to Withana’s son by Abeygunawardena’s daughter.
The Matugama Magistrate’s Court has issued an overseas travel ban on Abeygunawardena’s daughter and son-in-law following a request made by the Walana Anti-Vice Squad.
Withana’s son was remanded till 1 August.
Jagath gets emotional
MP Withana meanwhile delivered an emotional speech in Parliament, expressing anguish over the recent arrest of his son in connection with a vehicle sold by Abeygunawardena’s daughter.
Withana said the vehicle, purchased in good faith and registered under his company, had been driven by his son when the Police had stopped and arrested him without prior notice. “I’ve driven to Parliament in that same vehicle at least 10 times. If I had known of any issue, if I had been informed about such an issue, I would have handed it over or made a statement,” the MP had said.
He had noted that MP Abeygunawardena had acknowledged the vehicle had been sold by his daughter but had claimed no knowledge of the issue.
“My son has refused special treatment. He has refused meals from outside. He has two young children who are asking for their father. I asked them to arrest me instead, but they arrested my son. I might lose the vehicle and money. But this injustice must not happen to an average citizen,” Withana had further noted.
Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih had advised Withana to refrain from commenting further, noting that the case was currently before the courts.
Rohitha’s son in-law remanded
MP Abeygunawardena’s son-in-law appeared before the Matugama Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (24) in connection with the case involving Withana’s son and a luxury jeep allegedly smuggled into Sri Lanka. He has been remanded until 1 August.
Meanwhile, Withana’s son who is accused in the same case was released on bail by the Matugama Magistrate’s Court.
Since Abeygunawardena’s daughter is continuing to evade the Police, it is learnt that the Police is considering freezing assets belonging to her in order to get her to surrender to the Police or courts.
Rajitha’s revisional application
Meanwhile, the Colombo High Court on Wednesday (23) postponed to the following Wednesday (30) the hearing of a revision petition filed by former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, seeking anticipatory bail following the Colombo Magistrate’s Court’s decision to reject his initial application.
The High Court Judge had observed that a certified copy of the Magistrate’s Court order rejecting the anticipatory bail application had not been filed and therefore an order could not be issued at this stage.
Accordingly, the Judge had instructed President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, appearing on behalf of Senaratne, to submit the relevant documents.
The court, however, on Friday (25) had issued notice to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) Director General, who is named as a respondent in the petition, to present their reasons on 7 August. The petition therefore is now scheduled to be taken up again on 7 August.
Meanwhile, Senaratne’s son, Chathura stated outside the court that his father would be declared innocent at the end of the case hearing.
Complaint against Mahinda
Meanwhile, a complaint was filed last week before the CID against former Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.
The complaint filed by one Anuradha Tennakoon is about alleged corruption that had taken place at the Agriculture Ministry, especially related to an Agrarian Development Department project, when Amaraweera was the Minister-in-charge.
Tennakoon has claimed that State coffers and the public had been caused losses amounting to millions of rupees during Amaraweera’s tenure as Agriculture Minister.
Sajin’s case to be retried
In another development related to court cases on alleged financial irregularities, the Court of Appeal has nullified a previous Colombo High Court ruling that had acquitted former MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena from corruption charges related to financial losses of Rs. 883 million allegedly caused to the State during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mihin Lanka.
The Appeals Court bench comprising Justices Shiran Gooneratne and Amal Ranaraja had issued the directive after considering a revision application filed by the CIABOC.
Gunawardena was accused of causing the financial loss between 27 June 2007 and 29 May 2008 by purchasing equipment from a private company in violation of Government procurement procedures.
During the original High Court trial, Gunawardena’s lawyers had reportedly raised preliminary objections claiming the indictment was flawed. The High Court had accepted the objection and acquitted him.
However, the Appeals Court had found that the High Court’s decision was legally unsound and has now directed the Colombo High Court to retry the case.