SLPP National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa has questioned the timing of his arrest and remand, pointing to upcoming political rallies by both the government and the SLPP.
In a statement issued after he was remanded until September 18, Rajapaksa said the government would hold a political rally on September 5 to mark two years in office, with the President scheduled to address the gathering.
He said the SLPP was also preparing for its own political meeting on September 12, which thousands of supporters were expected to attend.
“Given these events, members of the public question: Why today? Why now? Why until the 18th?” Rajapaksa said.
“People are underestimated. They know,” he added.
Rajapaksa said that for years before coming to power, members of the current government had alleged that significant amounts of public money had been misappropriated and promised to recover unlawfully obtained funds.
He said he welcomed a fair, impartial and transparent investigation if evidence existed against him and maintained that the law should take its course if a court ultimately determined that wrongdoing had occurred.
However, Rajapaksa stressed that investigations and legal proceedings must remain independent of political interference while respecting the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair hearing.
“I will respect the legal process and cooperate with any lawful investigation. I also reserve my right to challenge any allegation or decision through the remedies available to me under the law,” he said.
Rajapaksa said he remained committed to representing those who had placed their trust in him and to the principles of due process, equality before the law and judicial independence.
“Political office is temporary. The rule of law must endure. I will face these proceedings calmly and without fear,” he said.
Rajapaksa was remanded until September 18 following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over an investigation linked to the SriLankan Airlines Airbus transaction. (Newswire)
Full Statement
For years, before this Government came to power, public statements were made alleging that significant sums of public money had been misappropriated and promising that any unlawfully obtained funds would be recovered and returned to Sri Lanka.
The Government has now been in office for two years. During that period, the public has continued to hear that evidence exists, that investigations are under way, and that any funds obtained unlawfully will be recovered through due process.
If there is evidence relating to me, I welcome a fair, impartial and transparent investigation. If a court determines that wrongdoing has occurred, the law should take its course in accordance with established legal procedures.
At the same time, all investigations and proceedings must be conducted independently, without political interference, and with full respect for the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair hearing.
Today, I have been remanded until 18 September.
Tomorrow, the Government will hold a political rally to mark two years in office, with the President scheduled to address the gathering.
On 12th September, thousands of our supporters are also expected to attend our own political meeting.
Given these events, members of the public question
Why today
Why now
Why until the 18th
People underrated, they know.
I will respect the legal process and cooperate with any lawful investigation. I also reserve my right to challenge any allegation or decision through the remedies available to me under the law.
I remain committed to representing the people who have placed their trust in me and to upholding the principles of due process, equality before the law and judicial independence.
Political office is temporary. The rule of law must endure.
I will face these proceedings calmly and without fear.
— Namal Rajapaksa
