Opposition parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara has formally appealed to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), urging intervention in what he describes as a serious breach of parliamentary privilege and impartiality within the Sri Lankan legislature.

In a letter addressed to CPA President Refilwe Mtshweni‑Tsipane and Secretary General Stephen Twigg, MP Jayasekara highlighted concerns over the refusal of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to allow him to raise a Privilege Question in Parliament on September 10, 2026. 

The matter related to an ongoing Bribery Commission (CIABOC) investigation reportedly involving the Speaker’s official functions.

Jayasekara argued that the Speaker’s decision to personally study the complaint, rather than refer it to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, violated the principle of nemo judex in causa sua — that no one should judge a case in which they are personally involved. He stressed that the refusal undermined procedural fairness and institutional impartiality.

The MP further alleged that his freedom of speech was curtailed when the Speaker stopped him from raising the issue during a parliamentary debate. He cited protections under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act No. 21 of 1953, which guarantees Members’ rights to speak and debate freely within the House.

Jayasekara, a long‑serving legislator with nearly two decades in Parliament and a senior figure in the Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) coalition, requested the CPA to:

• Take note of the matter as one concerning parliamentary democracy and Members’ rights.
• Assess whether the circumstances align with accepted principles of fairness and impartiality.
• Encourage referral of the Privilege Question to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
• Support independent review of the Speaker’s refusal to permit the question.
• Take further action within its mandate to safeguard parliamentary democracy and freedom of speech.

Jayasekara stressed that the issue strikes at the heart of parliamentary accountability, as it concerns the ability of elected Members to raise privilege matters involving the very officer presiding over the House. (Newswire)

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Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara has formally written to Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne requesting clarification on a series of allegations raised in Parliament concerning Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena.

In his letter, Jayasekara noted that several Members had recently presented serious claims in the Chamber, including matters relating to the Chief Justice’s family assets, personal documentation, and his role in the X‑Press Pearl compensation case.

Among the allegations highlighted were:

• Acquisition of assets said to involve Rs. 185 million and a luxury house in Colombo, linked to the Chief Justice’s son.
• Questions on asset declarations and their sources.
• Doubts over personal documents including birth and marriage certificates.
• Concerns about delays in judicial proceedings connected to the X‑Press Pearl case.
• Claims of undue influence between family assets and the compensation process.

Jayasekara stressed that he had not reached any conclusion on the truth of these allegations, but warned that ignoring them could undermine public confidence in the judiciary. 

He argued that if proven true, the claims would raise grave concerns about judicial independence, ethics, and the rule of law, requiring investigation by competent independent authorities.

Conversely, if false, he said their public airing in Parliament could cause serious harm to the Chief Justice’s reputation and the dignity of the judiciary, making clarification essential.

The MP asked the Speaker to confirm whether evidence or documents had been submitted to Parliament, whether preliminary inquiries had been initiated, and whether the matters would be referred to independent authorities.

He also sought clarification on whether the Attorney General’s Department or other institutions had provided official responses regarding the X‑Press Pearl case.

Jayasekara concluded that his request was not intended to disrespect the Chief Justice or the judiciary, but to ensure that if the allegations are true, justice is upheld, and if false, the integrity of the judicial system is protected. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has urged the government to investigate a reported financial transaction involving SriLankan Airlines, alleging that a payment meant for Dubai-related agent operations may have been mistakenly transferred to a wrong bank account

According to claims raised by the MP, funds reportedly intended for payments linked to the airline’s Chennai branch and Dubai operations had allegedly been deposited into an account at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank due to an error.

He further claimed that around Dirham 974,050 amounting to more than Rs. 80 million, had later been transferred to another bank account, creating difficulties in recovering the money.

Dayasiri Jayasekara said information regarding the matter had been received and called on the government to verify the facts and conduct a proper inquiry into the incident. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara claims the Director General of the Department of Meteorology is under house arrest.

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Jayasekara said that the Met Department Director General is not even allowed to speak to his own daughter.

MP Jayasekara pointed out that the Department of Meteorology and Disaster Management both fall under the purview of the President. 

“I challenge the DG to conduct a media briefing at the Defence Ministry. He has been placed under house arrest. This is because this government is afraid he might reveal something. Some have asked him to resign. But he has refused, as he would be considered to have committed a mistake. Please don’t do this to state officials,” the MP further said. (Newswire)

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A three-member committee has been appointed to investigate a complaint made by Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala regarding the conduct of opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara.

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne informed Parliament today (19) that the committee was appointed to examine an incident that took place inside the chamber on September 24, 2025.

Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih has been named as the Chairman of the committee, while MP Upali Pannilage and MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara have been appointed as its members.

“Following the incident involving MP Dayasiri Jayasekara inside the chamber on September 24, 2025, MP Sunil Watagala submitted a complaint during the Parliamentary Business Committee meeting held on September 25. Taking that into consideration, I have appointed a three-member committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, with MPs Upali Pannilage and Ranjith Madduma Bandara as members, to investigate the matter and submit a report,” the Speaker announced. (Newswire)

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MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has requested that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) be summoned before the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance to address concerns over the expansion of the country’s money supply.

In a letter dated Aug. 21 to the Speaker of Parliament, Jayasekara cited recent remarks by Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, who said the government had not engaged in money printing and that responsibility for the money supply rests with the Central Bank.

Jayasekara said the Central Bank had expanded the money supply by Rs. 1.4 trillion in an effort to manage inflation, but had yet to meet policy targets outlined in monetary statements. He also drew parallels to past disputes between the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank, which he said contributed to the 2022 economic crisis.

He warned that if the Central Bank had acted without government directive, it could constitute a violation of the Economic Transformation Act, No. 45 of 2024.

Jayasekara requested that the Central Bank be summoned to provide clarification on the monetary expansion, failure to meet stated targets, and the institution’s accountability under Article 148 of the Constitution. A copy of the letter was also sent to the chair of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF). (Newswire)

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Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara arrived at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today.

He visited the CID to file a complaint regarding an alleged fraud at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

MP Dayasiri Jayasekara is reportedly set to file a complaint against the failure to conduct forensic audits at the CPC. (Newswire)

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A three-member committee has been appointed to investigate opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara’s behaviour in Parliament recently, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced.

Addressing the Parliament today, the Speaker said the committee will be headed by the Deputy Chairman of Committees, MP Hemali Weerasekara.

He further said that Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathileka are the remaining members of the committee.

“The committee has been appointed based on a complaint received by me. The committee is tasked with investigating the behaviour of MP Jayasekara in Parliament on 20th May 2025 and submitting a report to me,” the Speaker added. (Newswire)

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MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said that a new circular issued by the Secretary to the President states that no minister, ministry secretary, or secretary to governors can hold meetings with foreign envoys without prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“As ministers, we used to meet foreign envoys, communicate our requirements, and secure assistance. This practice has now been completely stopped,” Jayasekara said.

He acknowledged some positive aspects of the circular, such as guidelines for how Sri Lankan missions abroad should engage with MPs and ministers on personal visits. However, Jayasekera expressed concern over the broader restrictions.

Drawing from his experience as Chief Minister, Jayasekara said that he had in the past facilitated funding for local government projects under sister cities initiatives with other countries. “Even such efforts have been stopped. This has become like North Korea now. An ambassador cannot meet a minister without the approval of the foreign ministry,” he said.

Minister Bimal Rathnayake countered this claim, noting that he had just met the Australian High Commissioner at the Parliamentary premises, suggesting that no such limitation is in place.

Jayasekara responded saying that the circular was issued today and that Rathnayake would soon be informed. He warned that such limitations could create issues for both the government and its ministers. (Newswire)

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Concerns were raised in Parliament today over the various reports of local employment rackets through which Sri Lankans were being recruited for the Russian and Ukrainian Military forces. 

Addressing the Parliament, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara revealed that several Sri Lankans were being duped into being recruited as General Camp Helpers of the Russian Military, but were being deployed on the war front. 

He further said that some Sri Lankans were being recruited to fight for the Russian Military, while some others were being duped into being recruited as General Camp Helpers for the Russian Military.

Stating that there was a large-scale racket being carried out in this regard, MP Jayasekara said most of these Sri Lankans are being tricked into fighting the Russian war.

MP Dayasiri Jayasekara further said that information has also come to light that the racketeers have obtained nearly Rs.1.8 million from those being recruited. 

The MP pointed out that the key issue of this racket is the fact that Sri Lankan military personnel are being pitted against each other, as they are being forced to fight for Russia and Ukraine which are at war.

MP Dayasiri Jayasekara questioned what measures the government has taken to prevent such illegal recruitments, if the government was aware of those carrying out such rackets, and how many Sri Lankans have been recruited thus far.

Responding to the questions, Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the Police has received information that the recruitments are being conducted by institutions operating as employment agencies. 

He further said that information has been received that the racketeers are offering other job opportunities in Ukraine and Russia, but upon reaching the countries, the Sri Lankans are being deployed to fight in the war. 

“The Police have already commenced investigations into the matter. The Foreign Employment Ministry has also conducted some investigations in this regard,” he said.

The Justice Minister added that further information will be provided to the Parliament via the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.

Concerns have been raised, as two persons, including a retired Sri Lanka Army Major, were recently apprehended over a financial scam promising jobs in the Russian Military.

The two men were arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department for fraudulently obtaining money from individuals on the promise of sending them for employment in the Russian army.

The arrests came against the backdrop of reports in the recent past of several Sri Lankans fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine, while three Sri Lankans were also reported killed while fighting for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion last year. (Newswire)

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Former Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara says he is prepared to contest as a Presidential Candidate if requested. 

Speaking during a television interview, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara pointed out that he was well-received by all the communities of Sri Lanka. 

He also revealed that he was in an amicable position with all the political parties as well, including the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP). 

“I have no animosity with any party or community. I am a person who loves everyone. If I am given the opportunity, I will definitely not only perform, but I will win the election,” he added. 

A new political alliance was also launched under the leadership of MP Dayasiri Jayasekara this week (Mar 20).

Identified as the ‘Humane People’s Alliance’, the new political faction consists of nearly 20 political and civil society groups. (NewsWire)

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A new political alliance was launched under the leadership of former Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara on Wednesday (Mar 20).

Identified as the ‘Humane People’s Alliance’, the new political faction consists of nearly 20 political and civil society groups.

Addressing the launch event, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said that it was essential to introduce a political party which is clear on its objectives and has an effective plan for the next 10 years. 

He also pointed out the need for governance by leaders who practice clean politics and who do not support nepotism. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has become the second member to resign from the Parliamentary Committee On Public Enterprises (COPE).

Taking to ‘X’, MP Jayasekara announced his decision, stating that he cannot work with a Chairman against whom several allegations have been raised.

“It is unfortunate that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has failed to learn from the ‘Aragalaya’ and respect the people,” he said. 

MP Jayasekara further said that in order to instruct State Officials to avoid corruption, the committees in Parliament must also be free of corruption.

His resignation follows that of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne, who stepped down from the COPE committee yesterday also citing the same reason. (NewsWire)

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A Police investigation has been launched into an alleged incident of assault involving Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara.

According to Ada Derana, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has been accused of having allegedly assaulted a photographer of the SLFP media unit.

The probe has been launched following a complaint filed with the Cinnamon Gardens Police.

In the Police complaint, the Parliamentarian has been allegedly accused of assaulting the photographer during an event held at the BMICH in Colombo. (NewsWire)

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