The Court of Appeal has dismissed without hearing a writ petition filed by MP Dilith Jayaweera challenging a determination made against him by the Colombo Fort Magistrate over allegations of contempt of court.

Through the petition, Jayaweera had sought an order invalidating the determination made by the Colombo Fort Magistrate in connection with the alleged contempt of court.

The Court of Appeal, however, decided to dismiss the petition without proceeding to hear it.

The decision was delivered by a three-judge bench comprising President of the Court of Appeal Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justices Chamath Morais and Adithya Patabendige. (Newswire)

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The Court of Appeal has announced that it will deliver its order on September 30 regarding the writ petition filed by Member of Parliament Dilith Jayaweera.

Jayaweera’s petition seeks to nullify the complaint filed against him by the Fort Magistrate’s Court on charges of contempt of court.

The announcement was made today (18) after the petition was considered before a three‑judge bench of the Court of Appeal, presided over by Court President Rohantha Abeysuriya.

Accordingly, the decision on the petition is scheduled to be pronounced on September 30. (Newswire)

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Sarvajana Balaya MP Dilith Jayaweera has cautioned that the government’s announcement to construct three expressways from next year using “domestic funds” without foreign loans is misleading, arguing that the plan conceals the real financial and foreign exchange burden on the country.

Issuing a statement, Jayaweera said domestic funds are not free money, but consist of taxes collected from citizens and borrowings from the local market. If Rs. 2 trillion is to be spent on expressways, he noted, the government would have to raise the money either by imposing more taxes, cutting essential expenditure, or borrowing further from the domestic market.

According to projections, government revenue in 2027 is estimated at Rs. 5.8 trillion. Of this, Rs. 2.64 trillion will be spent on interest payments, while Rs. 3.39 trillion will be required for salaries, pensions, subsidies, and other recurrent expenses. Jayaweera pointed out that mandatory spending already exceeds revenue before any capital allocation is made. He added that under the IMF programme, Sri Lanka must maintain a primary surplus of 2.3% of GDP, making it unclear how Rs. 2 trillion could be allocated solely for expressways under such strict fiscal limits.

He stressed that paying contractors in rupees does not make the projects dollar‑free. Large volumes of steel, bitumen, fuel, heavy machinery, vehicles, tyres, spare parts, lubricants, electrical and electronic equipment, signalling and toll systems must be imported. Even cement and concrete produced locally involve foreign exchange costs for clinker, fuel, power, and machinery. Sand, stone, and gravel may be domestic resources, but the fuel and equipment used in extraction and transport are imported. If foreign labour is employed, wages and remittances will also contribute to dollar outflows.

Jayaweera warned that considering direct imports, hidden imports within domestic supplies, foreign labour, machinery maintenance, and additional import demand, the foreign exchange exposure could reach nearly 90% of the project cost. A Rs. 2 trillion programme, he said, could generate foreign exchange demand equivalent to almost USD 6 billion.

He further highlighted that challenges in 2028 will be even more severe. According to IMF projections, Sri Lanka’s official reserves must rise to USD 13.9 billion by then, a target achievable only through sustained growth in exports, tourism, remittances, and foreign direct investment. At the same time, servicing restructured bilateral and commercial debt will increase, with annual requirements estimated between USD 3.2 billion and USD 5 billion. By 2028, the government will therefore face three simultaneous tasks: building reserves to USD 13.9 billion, meeting rising debt obligations, and maintaining a primary surplus of 2.3% under the IMF programme.

Against this backdrop, Jayaweera argued that starting three expressways at once, projects that could add billions of dollars in foreign exchange demand, is economically impractical. He stressed that this is not opposition to expressway development, which Sri Lanka needs, but a call for clear priorities, realistic timelines, and an economic plan to earn the foreign exchange required.

He described the claim of “building expressways from domestic funds without foreign loans” as a half‑truth, saying it only refers to payments in rupees while hiding the real dollar burden. Jayaweera urged the government to present Parliament and the public with the full estimated costs of each expressway, annual Treasury allocations, a complete assessment of foreign exchange impacts, the sources of required dollars, and how the expenditure aligns with IMF fiscal limits and debt servicing obligations.

Without such transparency, he warned, the promise is not a development plan but a political pledge without financial backing. He concluded that Sri Lanka must first build a productive economy that will use these roads, industries that earn dollars, stronger exports, and greater foreign investment, before embarking on mega projects that risk deepening the country’s economic crisis. (Newswire)

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The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today that an investigation has been initiated against six individuals, including former ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila and current MP Dilith Jayaweera, over alleged contempt of court.

CID officers told court the inquiry was launched into statements made via electronic media that were said to obstruct ongoing investigations into former Director of the State Intelligence Service, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, and to be contemptuous of judicial proceedings.

The probe covers remarks made by MP Dilith Jayaweera, former MPs Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and Asanka Navarathna, as well as Sugeeshwara Bandara and Mahinda Pathirana.

The CID requested that notices be issued summoning the six individuals to appear before court on July 1. 

However, the Magistrate ruled that such notices were unnecessary, noting that charges under the Contempt of Court Act No. 8 of 2024 must be pursued before the Court of Appeal rather than the Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Dilith Jayaweera has urged the government to reconsider its decision to hold the 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in August, claiming that students will lose several months of preparation time.

In a statement, Jayaweera said A/L students would typically have around 26 months to complete their syllabus and prepare for the examination, but alleged that the current schedule would effectively reduce that period by six months.

He also noted that the current batch of students had faced disruptions to their education due to the recent adverse weather conditions associated with the Cyclone Ditwah.

Jayaweera accused Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and the government of showing a lack of sensitivity towards students sitting the examination this year and called on authorities to withdraw what he described as an unfair decision.

He urged the government to provide students with adequate time and support, stressing that the Advanced Level examination represents a crucial stage in their academic lives. (Newswire)

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Sarvajana Balaya leader, MP Dilith Jayaweera, says he and his party will oppose the no-confidence motion the opposition plans to bring against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara.

Explaining his stance, MP Jayaweera claimed the motion actually targeted a former Eastern Commander of the Sri Lanka Army rather than the current deputy minister. 

He added that he and his party view the motion as part of a conspiracy to pin blame on the country’s security forces.

His comments come after Opposition parties submitted the no-confidence motion against Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara to the Speaker yesterday.

The Opposition decided to submit the No-Confidence Motion, citing serious concerns over Jayasekara’s alleged involvement and conflict of interest in the investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The motion raises alarm over Jayasekara’s role as the Commander of the Security Force (East) during key incidents linked to the Easter attacks, including the Vavunathivu police killings and the Sainthamaruthu explosion, both considered pivotal moments in the lead-up to the bombings. 

It further states that a potential conflict of interest exists as Jayasekara, now holding a powerful position in the Ministry of Defence, may influence subordinates or witnesses involved in the ongoing probes, risking impartiality. (Newswire)

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Member of Parliament and leader of the Sarvajana Balaya party, Dilith Jayaweera, met with the Ambassador of Palestine to Sri Lanka, Ihab Khalil, earlier today to express solidarity with the people of Palestine amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Jayaweera condemned the “inhumane and tragic conflict” unfolding in Palestine and called on Israel to respect international law and immediately halt the war and the forced starvation of Palestinian civilians.

In a statement issued following the meeting, he said, “The Sarvajana Balaya stands strong with Palestine,” and emphasized the need for global unity in the face of such atrocities. 

He added that Sri Lanka’s Buddhist civilizational values have long advocated for peace and harmony and that it is the duty of leaders worldwide to act for the sake of humanity.

Jayaweera’s remarks come at a time of heightened international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and broader calls for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. (Newswire)

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Sarvajana Balaya Leader, MP Dilith Jayaweera, says he has requested the United National Party (UNP) to correct their statement mentioning his name, adding that the claim that they had contacted him via telephone during a recent meeting was false. 

Issuing a statement on social media, MP Jayaweera said the UNP had claimed that he had participated via telephone call in a meeting chaired by UNP Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with several other opposition parties.

The UNP-led meeting had been held to discuss establishing power in all local government institutions, including municipal councils, urban councils and regional councils, where the National People’s Power (NPP) had failed to secure a majority.

Providing details of the meeting, the UNP had outlined all the opposition parties and their members who had participated in the discussion, adding that Sarvajana Balaya Leader, MP Dilith Jayaweera, had joined via a telephone call. 

Refuting the claim, MP Dilith Jayaweera said the statement was false, and that he has requested UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardana to rectify this immediately, to which he had agreed to take action. (Newswire)

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Parliamentarian Dilith Jayaweera says his party, the Sarvajana Balaya, has no reason to politically join hands with a party or force to seek a majority at Local Councils. 

Addressing the media, Jayaweera, the leader of the Sarvajana Balaya, said his party will only offer support for a majority after conducting an inquiry into the candidates and parties seeking their support.

“We will inquire about each candidate at each local council. We will look into the impact on the areas due to the involvement of these local councils. Our party’s executive council will decide based on each of the local councils separately, if we are to offer support,” he explained. 

Dilith Jayaweera emphasized that the Sarvajana Balaya will not form easy alliances like other political parties in the country. 

“We cannot say if we will help the NPP or the SJB. Our party is focused on helping the people. We will make the best decisions to help the people. It will be based on each local council,” he added. 

MP Dilith Jayaweera also confirmed that the party had received phone calls from several parties following the Local Government Elections. 

The Saravajana Balaya received 294,681 votes, securing 266 seats in 07 local councils, in the 2025 Local Government Election, held on Tuesday (07 May). (Newswire)

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MP Dilith Jayaweera has criticized the new 15% services export tax, stating that it discourages creative entrepreneurship and could drive foreign exchange transactions into informal channels like the Undiyal system.

Referring to the February 21 gazette amending the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, Jayaweera highlighted a key clause: “Gains and profits earned or derived in foreign currency and remitted through a bank to Sri Lanka – 15%.”

He noted that the tax applies to freelancers and professionals, including content creators on YouTube and Facebook, freelance creatives using platforms like Fiverr, and consultants such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants.

Jayaweera described the tax as a severe blow to entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka, warning that it would reduce foreign exchange inflows at a time when the country urgently needs them.
“The government will only lose dollars, not earn it, at a time when foreign exchange is needed,” he said.

Calling for collective action regardless of political divisions, he urged all parties to pressure the government to withdraw what he termed an unfair tax. (Newswire)

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First-time MP Dilith Jayaweera slammed the government for failing to deliver on its promises, and instead covering up through various national programmes, such as ‘Clean Sri Lanka’.

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Jayaweera said that 49 days since the inauguration of the Parliament, it is evident that the Government has forgotten that it is the governing body of the nation and not the student council of the Kelaniya University.

“The people had great expectations of this government. But some of your pledges are those that have been made for political motives. If any of you in the government have done a profit and loss account, you would know that none of your pledges can be fulfilled. Because without an income, you cannot spend,” he said. 

MP Dilith Jayaweera further proposed that the best course would be to openly inform the public that the pledges cannot be fulfilled. 

“By conducting programmes such as Clean Sri Lanka, the government is giving more hope to the public, instead of fulfilling its previous pledges. The country cannot move forward with such expectations from the citizens. We can’t keep giving them hope, we have to start delivering something. They are losing faith in the system,” he said. 

MP Jayaweera said that by acknowledging that the election pledges cannot be met, it would be the actual implementation of the Clean Sri Lanka project and would be the dawning of a new political era, which will be highly respected by the public. 

A tense situation then arose in Parliament with Government MPs opposing MP Jayaweear’s statement slamming the government over its failed pledges. 

MP Dilith Jayaweera also slammed the government’s mudslinging campaign against newspapers, saying it was regrettable to see the attempts to obstruct moves to establish a disciplined Parliament in the country. 

“How come Derana is good and Aruna is bad? Morning and Pulse magazine which all belong to me, are they good and bad because of me, the owner? At the time even when I contested the Presidential Election, you’ll also monitored it. I am a media owner who has strived for exemplary journalism,” he said. (Newswire)

“How come Derana is good and Aruna is bad? Are they good and bad because of me, the owner? I am a media owner who strives for exemplary journalism,” said MP Dilith Jayaweera, slamming what he claimed was a government mudslinging campaign against newspapers. pic.twitter.com/ZVw1XL1ma4

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) January 9, 2025

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Former Minister and New Democratic Front representative for the Anuradhapura District, S.M. Chandrasena, has joined the Sarvajana Balaya party.

Sarvajana Balaya party leader MP Dilith Jayaweera officially handed over the party membership to Chandrasena.

Speaking to the media, Chandrasena stated that his decision to join the party was driven by its leftist-oriented policies and his confidence in Jayaweera’s leadership abilities. (Newswire)

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MP Dilith Jayaweera has proposed that professional titles such as Doctor or Professor should no longer be used in Parliament when addressing members.

“Taking into consideration the circumstances surrounding the appointment of the Speaker, I would like to propose that we do away with professional titles in Parliament when addressing each other. They are only applicable to the professions and are also divisive in society,” Jayaweera said.

Titles such as professor and doctor are specific to their respective professions, MP Jayaweera said.

“I believe that the titles before MPs’ names, especially when in Parliament, must be removed. There are various professionals in this Parliament. But the title Professor applies to the University and the title Doctor applies to the hospital,” he explained. (Newswire)

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United Democratic Voice (UDV) candidate Tillakaratne Dilshan has challenged Presidential candidate Dilith Jayaweera to prove his claims that the former cricketer was a dual-citizenship holder. 

Slamming Dilith Jayaweera for questioning his citizenship, Tillakaratne Dilshan said he was ready to quit his election bid if Jayaweera was able to prove his claims.

He said, however, if Jayaweera failed to do so he should also promise to quit politics. 

Addressing the media, Tillakaratne Dilshan further questioned if Jayaweera had been unaware of his citizenship when previously extending an invitation to join his political party. 

“Jayaweera invited me to join his party and contest from the Kalutara District. The invitation was extended through former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. It is regrettable that we are still following the old political culture of mudslinging,” he added.

Stating that a new political culture must be created to develop the country, the former cricketer questioned why some were afraid of newcomers and were carrying out mudslinging campaigns. (Newswire)

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Daham Sirisena, the son of former President Maithripala Sirisena, has joined the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP) led by Sri Lankan entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera. 

Upon joining the MJP, Daham Sirisena was appointed as the organizer of the Polonnaruwa District.

Daham Sirisena announced his decision to join the party by visiting the MJP’s head office in Colombo today. (Newswire)

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Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP) Leader Dilith Jayaweera says a broader alliance will be formed to face the upcoming General Election.

Addressing the media, Dilith Jayaweera confirmed that his party will contest in all districts in the election.

“We will create the most influential political alliance in Sri Lanka and we believe that the people will accept it,” he said. 

The Sri Lankan entrepreneur further said all politicians have been invited for a dialogue with the Mawbima Janatha Party. 

Dilith Jayaweera revealed that the election will be contested under a broader alliance of the Mawbima Janatha Party’s ‘Sarvajana Balaya Alliance’ and a new symbol. (Newswire)

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Former State Minister Dilum Amunugama has joined the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP) headed by Sri Lankan entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera. 

According to reports, Dilum Amunugama has been appointed as the national organiser of the Mawbima Janatha Party.

Originally a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member, Amunugama previously served as the State Minister of Investment Promotion under the Ranil Wickremesinghe-led government.

Dilum Amunugama left the SLPP and extended his support for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the recent Presidential Election. (Newswire)

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Several candidates contesting the 2024 Presidential Election have signed nomination papers today. 

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate MP Namal Rajapaksa signed his nomination papers today at former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence in Wijerama, Colombo.

Earlier today, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) candidate and former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe signed his nomination paper at his residence in Nawala amidst religious observances.

The Leader of the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP), entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera also signed his nomination papers at the Mawbima Janatha Party’s office in Borella today. 

Earlier this week, National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake signed his nomination papers at the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Office in Pelawatte. (Newswire)

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Several candidates contesting the 2024 Presidential Election have signed nomination papers this week. 

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) candidate and former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe signed the nomination paper this morning.

The signing took place at his residence in Nawala amidst religious observances.

The Leader of the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP), entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera also signed his nomination papers to contest the upcoming Presidential Election. 

The signing took place at the Mawbima Janatha Party’s office in Borella today. 

On Monday, National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake signed his nomination papers to contest the upcoming Presidential Election.

The Member of Parliament placed his signature at the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Office in Pelawatte. (Newswire)

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A new political movement named ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ formed by several political parties and civil organizations was launched in Colombo today (May 27). 

The ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ was launched via the signing of an agreement between the political parties and civil organizations.

The new political movement consists of the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna (JNP) led by MP Wimal Weerawansa, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) led by MP Udaya Gammanpila, Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP) led by entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera, the Democratic Left Front, the Communist Party, the Independent MP’s Forum and several civil groups. (Newswire)  

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