Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Vithana has alleged that the government has effectively allowed student activists to seize the controversial Malwana property once linked to former minister Basil Rajapaksa.

“A group has unlawfully broken into the property, seized it, and is cleaning it, while the Police stand and watch. Should we not ask who gave them this right? It is definitely the government,” MP Vithana charged, speaking to reporters.

He warned that such actions could foster unrest and even terrorism if left unchecked.

The property, previously denied by Basil Rajapaksa as his own, was taken over by the state after attempts to auction it were obstructed. 

Vithana stressed that government assets belong to the citizens of the country and must be safeguarded.

Meanwhile, members of the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) occupied the Malwana premises yesterday (14), declaring it should be handed over for public use. 

Student activists argued that successive governments had failed to utilize properties allegedly acquired through public funds and urged authorities to allocate the land to universities facing severe space shortages.

The IUSF said it had launched a “direct struggle” and vowed to continue occupying the property until authorities respond to their demands. (Newswire)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has raised strong objections to the recent statement by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding the security provided to Kalutara District Parliamentarian Jagath Vithana, who has reportedly received death threats.

In a statement to the media, the IGP claimed that the threats against Vithana stem from non-political reasons and said investigations were ongoing.

The SJB responded by criticizing the ambiguity of the statement, arguing that it implies the threats may be linked to illegal activity or personal actions without offering clarity or evidence.

“The IGP must state clearly what the basis of this claim is,” the SJB said in a media release. “We strongly condemn this as a derogatory statement made against a Member of Parliament engaged in public service.”

The party accused the IGP of attempting to shift the narrative, turning the complainant into the accused. It further alleged that such statements are part of a broader government strategy to frame incidents as outcomes of illegal activities, undermining public trust and transparency.

The SJB also questioned the independence of the police, suggesting that the IGP’s remarks align with government propaganda and reflect a concentration of power since the authority of the Independent Police Commission was transferred to the IGP. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Vithana has raised concerns over disciplinary action being taken against school principals due to the involvement of opposition MPs in events related to state schools. 

Addressing the Parliament, MP Jagath Vithana said he had recently held a vehicle parade to welcome a state school student in Kalutara who had emerged victorious at an international athletics event. 

“I welcomed the student and held a vehicle procession for him. However, I did not visit the school thereafter. But, the school principal informed me that a disciplinary inquiry has been launched against her with regard to the incident,” he said.

Presenting evidence of ruling party MP Gamagedara Dissanayake attending a school event in Matara as a Chief Guest recently, MP Jagath Vithana questioned why there were two different rules and why state officials were being unfairly penalized. (Newswire)

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