Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of orchestrating a campaign to arrest MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, alleging that social media is being used to create false narratives around an ex‑gratia payment he received in 2019.

Premadasa told Parliament that Jayasekera had been granted an ex‑gratia payment of Rs. 500,000, a discretionary payment made by the Executive President “on the basis of humanity.” 

He said Jayasekera subsequently underwent medical treatment costing over Rs. 800,000, but is now facing a probe over allegedly failing to provide proper bills.

The Opposition Leader stressed that there is no requirement under the ex‑gratia scheme to submit bills, yet the government is accusing Jayasekera of misuse and preparing to arrest him.

Premadasa charged that the government is leveraging its social media support base to amplify allegations that Jayasekera submitted false bills, framing the issue as corruption. He described the move as a politically motivated hunt targeting the MP. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has submitted a private member’s motion in Parliament seeking to prohibit political parties from crediting the salaries, allowances, and vehicle permits of public representatives to party funds.

The motion argues that such practices undermine the independence of elected representatives and pose a serious challenge to democracy.

Jayasekara’s proposal states that Parliament should resolve to disallow any political party from collecting or diverting payments made to Members of Parliament into party accounts.

The move comes amid public discussion following the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) government’s acknowledgement that its MPs contribute their monthly salaries to a common party fund.

Jayasekara, who is also an Attorney-at-Law, described the practice as detrimental to representative freedom and accountability, urging all parties to safeguard the autonomy of parliamentarians. (Newswire)

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An Attorney-at-Law has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) seeking a probe into politicians Udaya Gammanpila and Dayasiri Jayasekera’s continuous claims regarding the over 300 containers that were allegedly released by Sri Lanka Customs without proper inspection. 

Speaking to the media, Nalin Sampath Kumara said the two politicians have repeatedly claimed, on social media and mainstream media, that a rise in crime has been reported following the release of these containers. 

He said the politicians have also raised doubts whether weapons and narcotics had been smuggled in through these containers, now been released. 

Stating that no complaint or probe has been conducted into the allegations, Nalin Sampath Kumara said he has filed a complaint with the CID, seeking the politicians to be summoned and interrogated over the matter.

“They cannot be repeatedly making these claims without proof or evidence related to the containers. As ordinary citizens, it is our right to know the truth in this instance. It is essential to investigate and find out if it is related to an increase in the recent crimes reported in our country,” he added. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has publicly apologized to Sri Lanka’s first-ever vision-impaired Member of Parliament, Sugath Wasantha de Silva, following backlash over his recent statement.

Issuing an apology, MP Jayasekara stated that he unconditionally seeks forgiveness from anyone who was hurt by his remarks. 

He also elaborated on his initial comments, explaining that he intended to highlight broader political and social issues rather than target any individual or community.  

“A country is not built overnight. Politicians must take responsibility for the challenges faced by 22 million people in Sri Lanka. However, it is unfair to disregard the benefits and services that citizens continue to receive, such as free healthcare, education, and infrastructure, despite various challenges,” he stated.  

The MP further emphasized that social narratives should not be weaponized for political gain, stressing that legal measures should be taken against political misdeeds rather than allowing negative social attitudes to dictate justice.  

“I regret that my words caused distress and overshadowed the real issue I aimed to highlight. My support and compassion for the disabled community remain unchanged,” he added. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera says the Speaker, as the guardian of the Members of Parliament, must take responsibility if a Parliamentarian is murdered.

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Jayasekera said the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa was the first shooting of a person on a witness stand inside a courthouse.

Questioning why the Police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel had done nothing at the time of the incident, the MP said it raised doubts about help from within, urging the government to investigate this. 

MP Dayasiri Jayasekera pointed out that this shooting incident has thrown Sri Lanka’s national security at risk. 

“The government recently said it will address the issue of underworld activities. Since then, within 04 Poya days a total of 13 shootings and 12 deaths, including that of two innocent children, have been reported,” he said. 

The Opposition MP said, however, that the government is still stating there were no issues regarding national security.

Highlighting the circular issued announcing the removal of security for judges, MP Jayasekera questioned how the government expects judges to issue verdicts against drug lords and organized criminals.

He also pointed out the risks faced by Parliamentarians under the current circumstances, stating that the Speaker is responsible for the lives of Members of Parliament as they do not have security or protection.

“We are not requesting for security. But we are not ready to be shot dead by other persons. The government must consider this situation seriously,” he stressed. (Newswire)

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Chief Government Whip, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has assured that the government will take stern action to address the rise in crimes, especially shootings in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Jayatissa said the government will not allow the rise of underworld activities and will implement strict measures to address the issue. 

He further outlined that as initial steps the Defence Ministry has already recalled weapons issued by the government and a significant number of firearms have been returned, adding that investigations are underway in this regard.

The minister further said that the government has also taken steps to bring back criminals who had sought refuge in India and Dubai, with investigations underway.

Stating that several more measures have already been taken to curtail crime, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa assured that the government will strongly intervene to address the issue. 

He made the remarks in response to a question raised by Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera on the rise in crime and the lack of security in the nation, highlighting today’s shooting of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa inside a Colombo Court. 

Pointing out that over 70 shootings have been reported so far, MP Jayasekera urged the government and the Parliament to take serious consideration of the situation.

Also commenting on the matter, Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa said the opposition was prepared to extend its support to the government to curtail crime in Sri Lanka and ensure law and stability. 

MP Premadasa said shootings and murders have become a daily occurrence in Sri Lanka at present, with children also becoming victims, adding that the country has fallen to a state where the courts are also unsafe following today’s incident.

Highlighting that this was a serious issue, the Opposition Leader urged the government to take even more stringent measures to curtail crime and to make a special statement on the measures taken to address the issue. (Newswire)

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Chief Government Whip, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has assured that the government will certainly reduce the fuel tax in Sri Lanka, stating that measures have already been initiated in this regard.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Jayatissa said a comprehensive report on the fuel tax will be submitted to the Parliament soon. 

“We will submit a report on how the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation was made a loss-making entity and how the ministers of that time were involved. We will reveal all. The subject minister will address this,” he added.

Minister Jayatissa made the remarks in response to Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, who questioned the government on the previously made promise to reduce the existing Rs. 50 fuel tax. (Newswire)

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Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody has refuted media reports claiming that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is debt-free at present.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Jayakody said that the CEB has a debt of Rs. 323 Billion and that the government has not taken over any of its debts as of now.

“There are rumours going around, especially via media. The PUCSL has also made a comment in this regard. However, the CEB is still paying its debts and the Treasury/government has not taken over any of the debts,” he said. 

Minister Kumara Jayakody made the remarks in response to MP Dayasiri Jayasekara’s question on the CEB having reported a profit of Rs. 167 billion and being debt-free. 

Furthermore, inquiring about the government’s pledges to reduce electricity tariffs soon, MP Jayasekera questioned why the government has said it cannot do so even by June this year. 

“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that steps will be taken to reduce the electricity tariff by more than 30% in the near future, says a news report. Does near future mean three years? Why are you’ll lying?” the MP questioned.

Responding, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody said the government never mentioned a short period and that the plan was for a period within the next three years. (Newswire)

“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that steps will be taken to reduce the electricity tariff by more than 30% in the near future, says a news report. Does near future mean three years? Why are you’ll lying?” questioned MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, inquiring about the… pic.twitter.com/1updMGoBlf

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) January 9, 2025

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Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera has called out Government Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa for claiming that he was among politicians who had benefitted from the President’s Fund between 2005 and 2024.  

Addressing the media today, MP Jayasekera said that anyone can apply and obtain funds from the President’s Fund, including the public and politicians. 

He further clarified that he had received close to Rs. 400,000 from the President’s Fund for a heart surgery he underwent in 2019 and that then-President Maithripala Sirisena had approved the financial aid. 

Presenting bills of his heart surgery at the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital, he said he had been admitted due to a heart attack in 2019 and had been hospitalised for a period of four days. 

Stating that only a portion of the bill had been settled by the President’s Fund, MP Jayasekera said that he had settled the remainder out of his personal funds. 

MP Dayasiri Jayasekera further urged Minister Nalinda Jayatissa to refrain from making inaccurate claims and to halt mud-slinging campaigns against various politicians, using the President’s Fund. 

He also said that if politicians obtaining money from the President’s Fund was wrong, then the government should initiate the necessary amendments to the regulations concerning the Fund. 

His comments come after Minister Nalinda Jayatissa revealed in Parliament last week the details of payments allocated to politicians from the President’s Fund between 2005 and 2024.

While noting that some of these funds were requested on medical grounds, the Minister questioned the purposes for which such large amounts had been drawn by politicians.

Watch : https://shorturl.at/4mkak (Newswire)

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Former MP Dayasiri Jayasekera has urged the new government to auction the returned state vehicles and utilize the money for the Treasury, instead of misleading the public by making it an exhibit. 

The SLFP member made the remark after being inquired by the media on the dozens of returned state vehicles that are placed in the public car park close to the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

“I think they get a little happiness by displaying the vehicles. In 2015 John Amaratunga also did a similar vehicle show at the Galle Face Green. These vehicles have not been used by ministers and MPs. These vehicles have been used by those at the President’s Office and government officials,” he said. 

Dayasiri Jayasekera further requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to auction the vehicles and deposit that money into the Treasury.

He also urged the President to instruct government officials to use three-wheelers to carry out their official work. (Newswire)

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The Grade 05 Scholarship Examination will be held once again under the Sajith Premadasa Government that will be formed following the 2024 Presidential Election, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said. 

Pointing out that the question paper of the just concluded Grade 05 Scholarship Examination had been leaked, MP Jayasekera said that discussions will be held after the election to reconduct the examination. 

Addressing an election rally recently, MP Jayasekera questioned how the Ranil Wickremesinghe-led government could govern the nation if they cannot conduct a simple examination.

“Ranil Wickremesinghe has proven once again that he cannot do anything. Once the election is over, we will hold discussions under the leadership of MP Sajith Premadasa on suspending the just concluded Grade 05 Scholarship Examination and results and will reconduct it. The new government will do justice to our Grade 05 school children,” he added. (Newswire)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) formally announced its alliance with the Freedom Peoples Congress and a faction of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) at an event held in Colombo today. 

An agreement was signed by Opposition and SJB Leader MP Sajith Premadasa and MP Dayasiri Jayasekera of the SLFP to formally announce the new alliance.

SLFP MPs Thilanga Sumathipala, Rohana Luxman Piyadasa, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara and several members of the SJB, SLFP and Freedom Peoples Congress participated in the event. (Newswire)

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MP Jayasekara has been informed in this regard in a letter issued by SLFP Chairman and former President Maithripala Sirisena. 

The letter states that MP Dayasiri Jayasekara’s party membership has been suspended with immediate effect, hence he cannot function as the SLFP General Secretary.

It further states that disciplinary action will be initiated against MP Jayasekara based on several allegations against him. 

MP Dayasiri Jayasekara has also confirmed that he has received a letter announcing his removal as General Secretary of the party and suspending his party membership.

Meanwhile, according to media reports, Deputy General Secretary of the SLFP Sarath Ekanayaka has been appointed as the Acting General Secretary of the party. (NewsWire)

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The PT-6 aircraft that crashed yesterday killing two Air Force officials was assembled in 1958, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera stated. 

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Jayasekera stated that the aircraft manufactured in China had been assembled in 1958 and fitted with an engine manufactured in 1961.

Emphasizing that the PT-6 fleet should be on display at a museum, the SLFP MP stated that it should not be used to train pilots.

MP Dayasiri Jayasekera stated that six pilots have died in crashes involving PT-6 aircraft in Sri Lanka.

Pointing out that the aircraft was unfit for training sessions, the MP questioned who will take responsibility for the deaths repeatedly occurring due to its usage.

The SLFP MP raised the matter while addressing the deaths of an Air Force Wing Commander and an Aircraft Engineer/ Flying Officer while conducting an air test of a PT-6 aircraft in China Bay in the Eastern Province yesterday. 

Wing Commander Tharindu Herath and Flying Officer Peshan Warnasooriya had departed from the airstrips of China Bay around 11.25 am after which the aircraft crashed at an area inside the China Bay Camp around 11.27 am, killing them both. (NewsWire)

Two pilots have died resulting in a fateful crash. The aircraft manufactured in #China had been assembled in 1958 & fitted with an engine manufactured in 1961. We weren't even born in 1961. The PT-6 fleet should be on display at a museum & not used to train pilots. Who will take… pic.twitter.com/fU4F1wRPOq

— Manthri.LK_Watch (@ManthriLK_Watch) August 8, 2023

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