Since the global pandemic in 2020, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has dealt a severe blow to the global order, with unbearable pressures being placed on smaller states. Apart from economic challenges, Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and diplomacy have also been put to the test by the ongoing conflict between Israel/US and Iran.
The pressure faced by the Government in the diplomatic balancing act was revealed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) in Parliament on Friday (20). He said that Sri Lanka had refused a request made by three Iranian ships to visit Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit and a request made by the US to land two of its fighter jets at the Mattala Airport. “Sri Lanka maintained neutrality by refusing the two requests by both the US and Iran,” he said.
President AKD’s revelation in Parliament took many by surprise, including members of the diplomatic corps in the country, given that the President’s statement had exposed confidential communications. The President’s words made headlines in the international media as well.
It will now be interesting to see how the President and his Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Government handle diplomatic sensitivities while also receiving a better understanding that statements made by the President in Parliament are not limited to local audiences.
Apart from the diplomatic gaffe on Friday, President AKD has taken charge of the ongoing efforts to ensure the country obtains the required energy sources to prevent disruptions to the country’s functions. It is learnt that he is personally intervening in efforts and negotiations to secure fuel, coal, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) shipments to the country.
However, economists warn that the ongoing global energy crisis will also affect Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves since the country now has to foot some unexpected bills to secure energy amidst efforts in the past few months to bolster the reserves in preparation for debt repayments starting next year.
The fast-depleting fuel stocks, however, have become a cause for much concern due to the uncertainty surrounding the stocks that are to be received by the country in the coming weeks. The current global crisis, especially in the energy sector at present, has caused uncertainty over shipments due for small states like Sri Lanka given the higher bids offered for the same shipments by larger states. It would therefore suffice to note that Sri Lanka could breathe easy only when the expected shipments dock in Colombo for unloading.
Until Sri Lanka has the ordered shipments at its doorstep, the existing fuel stocks need to be utilised sparingly. Considering this situation and the necessity to carefully manage the available fuel reserves to sustain the nation’s economic activities, the Government reintroduced the QR code system for fuel purchases from last Sunday (15). The last time the QR code was in effect was in 2022 during the economic crisis.
Meanwhile, the risk of power cuts has also returned amidst the ongoing energy crisis. Apart from the difficulties in securing fuel supplies, Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) claim that the country is running out of fuel for thermal power generation due to the increased use of thermal power to bridge a gap in meeting the country’s power requirement.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has noted that there is a shortfall in the power generated at the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai due to the use of substandard coal and that authorities have therefore increased thermal power generation utilising fuel reserves to bridge the gap in the power supply. According to Premadasa, there is a gap of around 130–140 MW that must be bridged through thermal power.
The ongoing energy crisis and its impact on Sri Lanka’s power generation is also likely to increase with the drought season expected to affect the country in the coming months. With the decline in hydropower generation during this period, the increased reliance on thermal power would further exacerbate the energy crisis.
Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody did not dismiss possible power cuts soon and stated that the authorities were trying to manage the current situation to try and prevent possible power cuts starting next month. He, however, inferred that there was a possibility of power cuts since they would be inevitable on account of the current global scenario.
The missing shipments
Amidst the ongoing discussions about the country’s fuel supplies, a pro-Government social media outlet published a story questioning two missing fuel shipments. Seeing this story, especially by a news outlet that is pro-Government, many started to raise questions about these missing shipments.
While on the surface it seemed like a story that tried to reason out the depleting fuel stocks in the country, a deeper look indicated that it was aimed at responding to Opposition claims that the country’s fuel stock depletion was mainly due to the increase in thermal power generation to bridge the shortfall in power generation at the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant due to the use of substandard coal.
According to the pro-Government social media outlet, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) had fuel stocks that could last for one-and-a-half months during the first nine days of the conflict in the Middle East and some organised groups had hoarded 57,000 MT of diesel and 47,000 MT of petrol. These quantities, according to the pro-Government news outlet, are equivalent to two fuel shipments and could be sold for a period of 45 days.
A senior Government Minister meanwhile was also quoted in the media saying that the remaining fuel stocks in the country would suffice only till mid-April.
AKD however explained the shortfall in the country’s fuel supply during his press briefing last Tuesday (17) at the Presidential Secretariat. “We are currently unable to receive the two vessels carrying 90,000 MT of crude oil within the scheduled timeframe. We have been informed that these shipments will be delayed. In addition, private sector fuel distributors are also involved, and reports indicate that even one of their scheduled shipments has not arrived as planned. Consequently, there is a shortfall in the fuel supply required to meet our needs,” he noted.
However, the President and Government continue to maintain that there will not be a short supply of fuel in the local market since the Government has secured shipments to provide a continuous supply of fuel, albeit in a rationed manner, till May.
Mixed messages and criticism
Nevertheless, the chaos that was witnessed in many parts of the country where long queues formed outside fuel stations and the panic among people that the country was heading for another crisis were mainly due to the Government’s lack of a strategic communications mechanism. The mixed messages that were being communicated by members of the Government and the failure to provide accurate information to the public through a central system caused much uncertainty and disruptions to the daily functions of the country.
First there were assurances by the Government that there was no shortage of fuel in the country and then the QR code was reintroduced for fuel purchases, resulting in further chaos, especially with people not being able to fully enable and implement the QR system without a hitch.
CPC Managing Director Mayura Neththikumarage said that there was no fuel shortage despite the implementation of the QR code system for fuel distribution. He noted that the system had been introduced as a precaution after it had been noticed that people had been collecting fuel and queues had been forming over the past three to four days.
Lanka IOC (LIOC) Managing Director K. Raghu meanwhile on 14 March, a day before the reintroduction of the QR system was announced, assured the Sri Lankan public that the company would continue to maintain the country’s fuel supply and contribute to ensuring energy security. Speaking at an event, Raghu said that the LIOC remained committed to supporting the country’s energy needs despite existing challenges.
However, despite statements by the Government that the QR system for fuel would be effective from the morning of 15 March, many consumers complained that the site was inactive till quite late. Even afterwards, there were many complaints that the QR code could not be obtained due to some technical failures. The Government Information Department Director General said that authorities were also working to identify and resolve problems faced by individuals whose vehicle or phone numbers had changed, as well as those who had recently purchased new vehicles.
Finally, issues related to the QR system were resolved only towards the end of last week.
It was interesting to see the QR system that was introduced in 2022 to reduce and eventually prevent long queues for fuel becoming one of the main causes for long fuel queues this time around.
The chaos outside fuel stations even resulted in Police personnel being deployed to ensure that the QR system was being properly followed and that there were no clashes among the frustrated general public spending hours in fuel queues.
Police Traffic Control and Road Safety Division Deputy Inspector General W.P.J. Senadheera noted that Police officers had been deployed at fuel stations to manage traffic following the reintroduction of the QR code system for fuel distribution.
However, it was witnessed that Police personnel were mainly seen at fuel stations in Colombo and its immediate suburbs, with many stations in the outstations carrying out duties in normal fashion. It is learnt that some fuel stations had not received proper directions and had not fully implemented the QR system.
What the JVP/NPP Government failed to implement was the proper recordtaking and audits conducted by the CPC with the islandwide distribution network to ensure that the fuel was being sold according to the allocated quotas. This system was in place during the last time the QR system was in place during the 2022 economic crisis.
Govt. responds to criticism
The Government meanwhile decided to respond to criticism being levelled by members of the Opposition on social media platforms over the reintroduction of the QR system for fuel purchases after claiming there were sufficient fuel stocks in the country.
One of the main points stated by the Government in its counter-narrative was that the last time the country had to follow a QR system for fuel was due to economic bankruptcy due to years of corruption and siphoning of public funds by some politicians while this time around the QR system was being introduced due to a global crisis brought about by an external conflict and that the country had the sufficient funds to procure the required fuel supplies when sourced.
The Opposition hit back, noting that the Government had failed to assess, understand, predict, and prepare itself and the country for the global energy crisis with the conflict in the Middle East showing signs of intensifying from last month.
All eyes on Russia
Meanwhile, Russia has become a focal point in Sri Lanka’s energy crisis, with the Government working closely with the Russian Government to secure fuel and coal supplies. The President noted on Tuesday that negotiations between Sri Lanka and Russia required time, emphasising that such agreements could not be concluded instantly as they involved formal State-to-State processes.
Discussions between Sri Lanka and Russia over fuel and coal procurements commenced following a meeting between Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan.
However, some groups opposed to Sri Lanka’s strengthening ties with Russia started to engage in a disinformation campaign over the ongoing discussions resulting in the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka issuing a statement addressing speculation over recent discussions on energy supplies.
Responding to reports about a meeting between Russian Ambassador Dzhagaryan and senior officials of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassy clarified that no financial or logistical matters had been discussed during the talks.
The embassy further said that it was actively working on these issues and would provide updates as progress was made.
Nevertheless, it is learnt that negotiations between Sri Lanka and Russia on securing fuel and coal supplies are progressing positively.
Story behind the price increase
Meanwhile, President AKD last Friday hinted at the possibility of further increasing fuel prices, stating that fuel supply by the private sector could be affected if local prices were not increased due to the rapidly increasing global fuel prices.
It is learnt that while the Government increased local fuel prices by around Rs. 20 per litre, the actual increase at the time could have been around Rs. 80 per litre according to calculations by Treasury officials together with the CPC.
When President AKD had directed officials to provide him with a report on the existing fuel stocks and the global conditions as well as the increase in prices of next shipments, he had been informed that fuel prices would have to be increased by about Rs. 80 per litre.
AKD had noted that such an increase would be difficult for many to bear and would have a cascading effect on all sectors of the economy. He had proposed that the situation be balanced by increasing prices by an amount that people could bear and for the Government to subsidise the remaining amount.
However, the proposal of the Government subsidising fuel had brought about another discussion – the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions on Sri Lanka. The IMF has clearly stated that subsidising power and fuel cannot happen under the country’s economic recovery plan.
It is learnt that the President had called on officials to initiate a dialogue with the IMF to discuss and explain the situation in the country at present and to obtain the fund’s green light for the fuel subsidy.
Members of the Government, meanwhile, have also started to compare the increase in fuel prices in many countries including Western nations as well as the rationing of fuel in some countries.
IMF team to visit
While Sri Lanka initiated talks with the IMF on fuel subsidies, the fund announced that a team of representatives from the IMF was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on Thursday (26) for review discussions ahead of the fifth and sixth tranches of the country’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme. The delegation is to remain in the country till 9 April.
Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando said that the visit would focus on assessing the Government’s progress in meeting the conditions attached to the IMF-supported economic reform programme and that discussions during the review would also cover the country’s economic performance and reforms implemented under the agreement with the IMF.
Given the IMF’s anti-subsidy stance, it is likely that President AKD, in his speech on Friday, laid the groundwork for further fuel price increases in line with the escalating global prices.
It is therefore evident that it is only a matter of time before the country also witnesses an increase in electricity tariffs.
Gor’s visit
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor engaged in a brief visit to Sri Lanka last week. Gor arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday (19) morning.
It is learnt that Gor had listed out several key topics to be discussed during his meeting with President AKD months ahead of his visit to Sri Lanka since it was planned in February.
It is also learnt that the topic of US trade tariffs on Sri Lanka was included in the talking points with the President, among several other key areas including the security of the Indian Ocean region. As for the trade tariffs, despite US efforts to finalise the tariff discussions, the Sri Lankan Government, it is learnt, is of the stance that the agreement should not be rushed.
While Gor concluded his visit to Sri Lanka, a gift of 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters from the US are now en route to Sri Lanka.
President ill-informed
However, Gor’s visit to Sri Lanka was overshadowed by the country’s energy sector since it is undoubtedly the key talking point across all sections of society at present.
Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said last week that he had lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on Wednesday (18) over alleged irregularities in coal procurement, despite recent remarks by the President on the matter.
Ranawaka had posted on Facebook that the President appeared to be ill-informed on the matter.
Referring to a 2022 procurement process, Ranawaka had cited Auditor General recommendations stating that procurement guidelines should not be changed arbitrarily and that the failure to follow these guidelines had led to the importation of substandard coal.
Ranawaka has claimed that losses from the first four coal shipments exceeded compensation received from suppliers, amounting to approximately Rs. 1,200 million, and has further noted that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) had indicated additional losses of around Rs. 800 million from recent shipments.
He has alleged that the financial burden of these losses would be passed on to the public from 1 April this year.
NCM against Jayakody
While President AKD and the Government are engaged in dousing fires on many fronts, especially in the energy sector, the Opposition decided to move a No-Confidence Motion (NCM) against Energy Minister Jayakody, who is being indicted before the Colombo High Court by the CIABOC over corruption that had allegedly taken place during his tenure at the State Fertiliser Company, in Parliament on Thursday (19).
Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera stated that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) parliamentary group would make the final decision at the party’s parliamentary group meeting on Monday (16) and that signatures would be collected after discussing with other Opposition parties on Tuesday (17). He stated that the NCM would be handed over on Wednesday, but since Parliament did not convene that day, the handing over of the motion took place on Thursday.
Opposition members have also called for Jayakody’s resignation from the Cabinet portfolio until the CIABOC probe and court case are concluded.
Once the motion was handed over to Parliament, the Committee on Parliamentary Business decided that the debate on the NCM against Minister Jayakody would be held on 10 April.
Islandwide campaign
However, the main Opposition SJB, which understands that the No-Confidence Motion against Minister Jayakody will be defeated in Parliament by the over two-thirds majority of the Government in the House, has decided to take the campaign against Jayakody to the public. The party has planned an islandwide campaign for the purpose. This campaign, which is to commence from Avissawella, is to also be carried out in the Gampaha District this weekend.
SJB MPs Ajith P. Perera and S.M. Marikkar are expected to speak at these events to explain to the public the issues faced by the country’s energy sector, its irregularities, and the actions of the Minister in charge.
Jayakody nevertheless seems to enjoy the confidence of the President himself. Speaking to the media last week, Dissanayake defended Jayakody saying that action would have been taken against him if the case had been filed over his actions as a Minister. He further noted that the case had been filed over an allegation levelled against Jayakody during his tenure as a public official. “I will remove any minister whose actions as a minister are being challenged before a court. I will immediately remove such a person from the Government,” AKD claimed.
SJB-UNP talks to resume
Meanwhile, Opposition supporters are becoming impatient as the much-anticipated alliance between the SJB and United National Party (UNP) continues to drag on. It is learnt that talks between the SJB and UNP on forming an alliance through a common work programme are expected to resume soon, with party seniors meeting for another round of talks last week.
Seniors of both parties who have been working to bring the SJB and UNP together have heard of talk among a group of SJB backbenchers that they would have to decide on forming a coalition with a group of parties if the SJB-UNP alliance does not materialise.
The failed RW-Sajith meet
Following the talks between seniors of the SJB and UNP, an event was planned by a group of SJBers and UNPers where seniors of both parties including the Leaders of the two parties, Sajith Premadasa and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, would attend.
The event where Premadasa and Wickremesinghe would be seen together was to be the commemoration of the late Gamini Dissanayake organised by the late political leader’s sons, former Minister Navin Dissanayake and former MP Mayantha Dissanayake, planned for Friday (20).
However, the plan could not proceed as planned with Wickremesinghe leaving for Singapore last Sunday (15) night for medical treatment.
After hearing of Wickremesinghe’s departure to Singapore, many SJB seniors believed that he would be back in Sri Lanka before Friday and would therefore be able to attend the event on Friday. However, Wickremesighe had to undergo some medical procedures midweek, preventing him from returning to Colombo on time to attend the event.
Finally, the commemoration event proceeded as planned on Friday with seniors of both the SJB and UNP attending it and Premadasa together with UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene paying floral tributes together at the Gamini Dissanayake statue outside the Mahaweli Centre in Colombo 7.
It is learnt that Wickremesinghe had undergone surgery on Wednesday (18) morning.
RW’s post-surgery recovery
It is also learnt that Wickremesinghe will remain in Singapore for a few weeks to recover from his surgery.
It was UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardena who issued a statement on Thursday (19) noting that the former President was recovering after successful surgery in Singapore.
However, Abeywardena’s statement came after Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake stated in Parliament earlier that day that Wickremesinghe, who had undergone surgery overseas, was recovering well and wished him well. Once Karunanayake had made this statement in Parliament, the UNP decided to issue a statement due to inquiries that were flowing in from party members and organisers about the well-being of their Party Leader.
Abeywardena also noted that Wickremesinghe’s birthday fell on Tuesday (24), expressed gratitude to UNP supporters across the nation, and called on all to mark the occasion with religious observances to invoke blessings on Wickremesinghe.
The UNP meanwhile has organised religious observances at the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya on Tuesday to invoke blessings on the former President and the country.
While Wickremesinghe is recuperating in Singapore, some of his close associates, it is learnt, are planning on travelling to Singapore this week to personally wish him on his 77th birthday. However, the UNP Leader’s family had requested party seniors to ensure that he was not disturbed during his recovery.
Big match fever
Wickremesinghe’s health situation became a focal point even at the recently concluded Royal-Thomian big match at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC).
Wickremesinghe was a notable absentee. It is learnt that the former President had decided not to attend this year’s Battle of the Blues encounter due to poor health. His absence at the big match had resulted in many talking about Wickremesinghe’s health, since he has hardly ever missed attending the big match regardless of his busy work schedules.
However, Opposition Leader Premadasa attended the Royal-Thomian big match and was seen in conversation with old and young boys of both schools while posing for selfies with them.
GL’s assignment
Prior to leaving for Singapore, Wickremesinghe had met key office-bearers of the UNP and discussed the party’s ongoing political work and the work that would be carried out during his medical treatment in Singapore.
It is learnt that one of the most important discussions Wickremesinghe held prior to his departure had been with former Minister G.L. Peiris, who is currently engaged in discussions with Opposition political parties to form a broad Opposition platform.
Wickremesinghe, it is also learnt, had explained to Peiris that the responsibility of getting all Opposition parties on board the joint Opposition platform rested with him.
Following Wickremesinghe’s departure, Peiris had held several meetings and one was with a group of Leftist parties at the Head Office of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL). Apart from the CPSL, the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and the Democratic Left Front (DLF) attended the meeting along with several other parties.
During the meeting, one of the key topics of discussion was the failures of the incumbent Government and the attempt to blame its shortcomings on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Peiris had pointed out that many Asian countries were not facing issues like in Sri Lanka since those governments had managed the situation.
Namal and SJBers in India
Meanwhile, rumour mills were working overtime about Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa meeting with a group of SJB MPs in India. The reason for the rumour was that Namal was in India attending an event in New Delhi at the same time a group of SJB MPs – S.M. Marikkar, Harshana Rajakaruna, J.C. Alawathuwala, Sujeewa Senasinghe, and Sujith Sanjaya Perera – were also participating in a programme in India.
While it is not still clear whether Namal and the SJB MPs had met in New Delhi, neither Namal nor the relevant SJB MPs have given a straightforward response to questions on whether they had all met in India. It is however learnt that Namal and the SJB MPs had attended separate events in India.
It is also interesting to note that Namal has now become a frequent visitor to India and there are at least four recorded visits he has undertaken to India within the first three months of the year.
According to SLPPers, the reason for his frequent invites to attend events in India is the identification of Namal as an emerging youth leader in South Asia following political surveys conducted by Indians.
GL’s complaints to Sagara
Meanwhile, Peiris had recently lodged a complaint with SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam over the SLPP’s conduct when all Opposition parties were engaged in a dialogue to form a broad Opposition platform.
Peiris, it is learnt, had explained that the Opposition parties needed to unite to address the issues faced by the country at present, but that the SLPP did not seem serious about such unity since the party had only been sending some representatives for meetings without making a serious contribution.
Kariyawasam had responded saying that the party representatives who had attended joint Opposition meetings were the ones who represented the party at such discussions but had assured that he would attend the next round of meetings.
Keeping his word
Kariyawasam had kept his word to Peiris and had attended the meeting of the joint Opposition platform, the Maha Jana Handa, held at Peiris’ residence in Colombo 5 last week. Kariyawasam had informed the SLPPers who were earlier assigned to attend these meetings that he would be attending the one at Peiris’ residence.
Leaders and seniors of key Opposition political parties including the UNP, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA), Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), and People’s Alliance (PA) had attended the meeting. Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka had also attended the meeting.
SLPP’s May Day plans
The SLPP meanwhile is also engaged in an internal discussion on whether the party should attend a joint May Day rally with other Opposition parties. A majority at the recent meeting of the party’s Politburo and Executive Committee had noted that the SLPP should hold a separate May Day event.
However, SLPP Leader, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) had noted that 1 May was a Poya day and that although the Government had declared the Poya that falls at the end of the month as Vesak Poya, the SLPP could not ignore a Poya during the Vesak month given the pride of place given by the party to religion and culture.
It was then discussed that the SLPP should look at holding a commemorative event near the statue of late Minister T.B. Ilangaratne, who had worked hard to ensure workers’ rights.
The Professor and student
Meanwhile, an interesting meeting between a student and his Professor took place recently when Sarvajana Balaya Leader Dilith Jayaweera met former Minister G.L. Peiris for a political discussion. A fact little known by many is that Jayaweera, who is a lawyer by profession, had studied for his law degree at the University of Colombo when Peiris was its Vice Chancellor.
The meeting between Jayaweera and Peiris took place when the joint Opposition platform, the Maha Jana Handa, led by Peiris, had met Sarvajana Balaya seniors led by Jayaweera at the latter’s political headquarters.
After going down memory lane, both Peiris and Jayaweera had broached the topic of a joint Opposition platform since the Sarvajana Balaya has opted to conduct its political work independently without joining any joint platforms. Jayaweera had noted that despite there being a need to change the system, the time at which and manner in which it is conducted needed to be drawn out strategically.
Peiris, while agreeing with Jayaweera, had noted that opportunities must also be created to move forward in politics.
However, it is learnt that the discussion had ended on a positive note with Jayaweera and the Sarvajana Balaya leaders stating that they were ready to work together at decisive moments.
MR’s bribery allegation saga
Meanwhile, former President MR has landed in controversy over an ongoing investigation by the CIABOC into the controversial Airbus deal of SriLankan Airlines carried out during his presidency.
The CIABOC had informed court last Thursday (19) that former Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines Kapila Chandrasena had claimed that a sum of Rs. 60 million had been paid to MR from funds received through the Airbus deal.
The disclosure was made when the CIABOC had presented facts before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court during proceedings related to the ongoing bribery investigation into the Airbus deal.
According to the submission, Chandrasena had reportedly stated that the Rs. 60 million had been paid to the former President on three separate occasions and that a further Rs. 20 million had been paid to former Minister of Civil Aviation Piyankara Jayaratne.
After considering the facts presented, the Colombo Chief Magistrate had ordered that Chandrasena be remanded until 2 April.
Chandrasena was earlier arrested by the CIABOC over allegations that he had solicited and accepted a bribe of $ 2 million in connection to the controversial Airbus deal.
Kapila’s affidavit
Amidst this bombshell that exploded in court last week, the controversy surrounding the Airbus deal further intensified with an affidavit by Chandrasena alleging that his earlier statement to the CIABOC had been obtained under intimidation. Chandrasena’s lawyers released a copy of the affidavit to the media as well.
The affidavit was released after the CIABOC had informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court that Chandrasena had claimed a sum of Rs. 60 million had been paid to MR from funds received through the Airbus deal.
In the affidavit dated 18 March, Chandrasena has claimed that his statement to the CIABOC had not been given voluntarily. He alleges that he was taken out of the recording room during questioning and threatened by officials, including the Director General of the CIABOC, who he claims spoke to him in a threatening manner.
He has further claimed that he was warned of arrest and pressured to include the names of former President MR, MP Namal Rajapaksa, and his own wife in his statement.
Chandrasena has noted that any references to these individuals were made under fear and intimidation, and do not reflect his voluntary testimony, and has also alleged that he was denied access to his lawyer while the statement was being recorded.
Chandrasena’s affidavit is being used by Opposition political parties, especially the SLPP, to now question the integrity of the CIABOC investigation while pro-Government supporters have come forward to defend the CIABOC probe and its Director General, resulting in what seems like a battle on social media between the two groups.
GR’s fleeing cost
Meanwhile, MR’s younger brother, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa (GR) was also in the spotlight last week, with his ouster from office and fleeing the country resurfacing with the Court of Appeal dismissing an appeal filed by the Sri Lanka Navy and ordering the disclosure of costs and payment details related to GR’s naval travel during the 2022 crisis.
The ruling that was delivered on Thursday (19) was made following a request filed by journalist Rifthi Ali, who had sought information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding reports that GR had boarded a naval vessel in July 2022 to escape the country.
Ali’s request, submitted in September 2022, had reportedly sought eight details, including confirmation of the spending, names of those who had accompanied the former President, and the cost incurred. The Sri Lanka Navy had initially rejected the request in full, citing national security concerns.
Following an appeal by Ali, the RTI Commission had in August 2023 ordered the Navy to disclose two key details – the cost of the trip and who had paid for it – while allowing the rest to be withheld.
The Navy, through its Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, had subsequently filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal challenging the directive to release those two details.
In its judgment, the court had rejected the Navy’s argument that releasing financial data would compromise national security, stating that the claim was not supported by sufficient evidence. The court had reportedly held that access to information was a fundamental right and that exemptions had to be narrowly applied, stressing that public authorities could not rely on blanket claims of secrecy.
“The right to know should be the rule, and the exception should be the refusal,” the court had observed, with the judges concluding that the Navy had failed to establish a clear link between disclosing the requested financial information and any genuine risk to national security.
Accordingly, the appeal was dismissed and the RTI Commission’s order to release the information was affirmed.
New leadership for the Left
Meanwhile, an interesting political development was witnessed regarding one of the country’s oldest political parties – the CPSL. The party was formed in 1943 and was led at the time by the late Dr. S.A. Wickramasinghe.
However, like most political parties, the CPSL also faced the criticism that the party leadership was being held by the old guard without any proper transition plan. CPSL leader D.E.W. Gunasekara, who led the party until now, is over 90 years of age.
Nevertheless, this criticism was addressed at the party’s 23rd national convention held in Colombo recently. The CPSL appointed a new leadership to the party when Gunasekara proposed the name of Weerasumana Weerasinghe to the post of chairman.