Opposition Leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa has vowed not to abandon Badulla District MP Chaminda Wijesiri, stressing that justice will be sought through the appeal process.
Premadasa told reporters that while the judiciary must be respected, he believes Wijesiri will ultimately receive justice.
“Chaminda Wijesiri is not only a pillar of strength for the Badulla District and the SJB, but also for the people of Sri Lanka. He has fearlessly raised serious issues on behalf of citizens through his political and parliamentary work. We will stand by him, and we trust the judicial system to deliver justice,” he said.
The comments came after the Badulla High Court sentenced Wijesiri to one‑and‑a‑half years in prison earlier today. The court found him guilty of wrongful restraint, assault causing bodily harm, and criminal intimidation of police officers.
The case stemmed from a 2019 incident near the Bandarawela roundabout, when a police jeep overtook the MP’s vehicle. Prosecutors said the confrontation escalated into an altercation, during which police officers were assaulted and intimidated.
Following trial proceedings, the High Court delivered its verdict, convicting Wijesiri and imposing the custodial sentence. (Newswire)