Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Horana organizer Charith Abeysinghe, who had been remanded again after failing to meet bail conditions earlier this week, was released from prison today following the fulfillment of those requirements.

Abeysinghe and two other suspects, were remanded in connection with the alleged acceptance of a Rs. 120 million bribe from the wife of underworld figure Harak Kata. 

On July 28, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court granted bail to all three suspects.

Former minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s son Rakhitha Rajapakshe, and former Airport and Aviation Services director Aruna Sri Chathuranga were able to meet bail conditions and were released from custody immediately. 

Abeysinghe, however, was initially unable to comply and was remanded once more. 

After meeting the bail conditions, he has now been released from remand custody. (Newswire)

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Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered former minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s son, Rakitha Rajapakshe, former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Horana organizer Charith Abeysinghe, and former Airport and Aviation Services director Aruna Sri Chathuranga to be further remanded until July 28.

The trio was arrested on June 25 over allegations of soliciting and receiving Rs. 120 million in bribes from the wife of underworld figure ‘Harak Kata’.

The Magistrate said bail applications would be considered on that date on July 28. (Newswire)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has suspended the party membership and all positions held by Horana seat organizer Charith Abeysinghe, following his remand in connection with an alleged bribery incident said to have taken place in 2023.

In a special media announcement, the party stated the suspension takes immediate effect and applies to all posts Abeysinghe held within the SJB.

The statement further clarified that at the time of the alleged incident in 2023, Abeysinghe was not functioning as a member, organizer, or office‑bearer of the party.

Reiterating its stance, the SJB said it is never opposed to the enforcement of the law or judicial action against individuals involved in corruption or unlawful activities. (Newswire)

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The Bahujana Balaya (People’s Power) organization has suspended the membership of Horana SJB organizer Charith Abeysinghe and removed him from his post as National Organizer, following his arrest in connection with the alleged Rs. 120 million bribery case linked to underworld figure “Harak Kata.”

In a statement issued yesterday, the Executive Committee said the decision was taken unanimously under the organization’s constitution, ethics, and principles, citing serious bribery and corruption allegations, ongoing investigations, and judicial proceedings.

The statement emphasized that the move was an administrative measure to safeguard the organization’s reputation, credibility, and public trust, and did not amount to a prior conclusion of guilt.

Bahujana Balaya underscored its commitment to good governance, transparency, accountability, and a firm stance against corruption, noting that politics must serve public trust rather than protect individual images.

The organization added that the decision should serve as an example to young political leaders, stressing that leadership must be built on responsibility, honesty, transparency, and respect for the law.

The suspension takes immediate effect, with the Executive Committee to review further action depending on the court’s final verdict and future legal developments. (Newswire)

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The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has stated that the arrest of Rakitha Rajapakshe, son of former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe; Charith Abeysinghe, Horana electorate organizer of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya; and Aruna Sri Chathuranga, a former director of the Civil Aviation Authority, was in connection with a high‑profile bribery case linked to underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias ‘Harak Kata’.

According to the Bribery Commission, in 2023, while ‘Harak Kata’ was under a detention order of the Criminal Investigation Department, his wife Madushika Madhuwanthi was solicited in Dubai for a bribe of Rs. 500 million to remove from detention and transfer to any other prison other than the Boossa High Security Prison in Galle.

Issuing a statement, the Bribery Commission said the demand was later reduced to Rs. 200 million, with Rs. 120 million allegedly obtained as an advance.

The Bribery Commission confirmed that the suspects were arrested in connection with the bribe and are to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Charith Abeysinghe has questioned the governance and recent actions of the President and the new government.

Issuing a statement, Charith Abeysinghe pointed out that certain decisions of the government highlight significant concerns and contradictions in the administration’s policies and actions.

He has raised questions on seven key issues related to the government, such as the composition of the NPP Coalition, concerns about a return to the Gotabaya Era, contradictory appointments of presidential advisers, change in the leadership of the University Grants Commission (UGC), dual leadership in tourism agencies, abolition of the competitive bidding system, and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Charith Abeysinghe says these concerns point to a pattern of conflicting ideologies, questionable appointments, and inconsistencies within the President’s coalition. 

“Such contradictions raise valid questions about the ethical implications of campaign promises versus actions in power. We urge the President to respond directly to these issues, as transparency and accountability are paramount,” he added. (Newswire)  

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Sri Lankan actor Charith Abeysinghe launched his political campaign yesterday in view of the 2024 Parliamentary Election. 

Speaking to reporters, Charith Abeysinghe said he is contesting from the Colombo District representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party. 

“Please don’t think of this as another actor entering politics. If you have been following my work, I have always spoken about politics. My political activities that were restricted to the film industry have now entered the actual political arena,” he said. 

Charith Abeysinghe further announced that they intend to do a procession covering all 15 constituencies in the Colombo District within 23 days. 

The actor also expressed hope of creating a new political culture in Sri Lanka, stating that the youth must come forward for this purpose. (Newswire)

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