Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana says he will take legal action against Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Priyantha Weerasooriya over what he described as false and damaging allegations linking him to organised crime.

Responding to the IGP’s statement that the threat to his life was connected to dealings with individuals involved in illegal businesses, MP Withana said the claim was baseless and intended to discredit him.

“I have no connection with the underworld. I have engaged in business legally since 1989. I have never been involved in any illegal activity,” the MP told the media today.

Withana further alleged that the IGP was angered by the fact that he had obtained police protection through the intervention of the Speaker after raising concerns in Parliament earlier this week.

He accused the IGP of attempting to create animosity between him and underworld groups, thereby putting his life in greater danger.

“I will take legal action against the IGP for these irresponsible and malicious remarks,” he added.

Earlier, IGP Weerasooriya told reporters that the threats to the MP were not politically motivated but related to his alleged associations with people engaged in criminal networks. (Newswire)

The post Jagath Withana denies underworld links, to sue IGP over remarks appeared first on Newswire.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana today raised concerns in Parliament over alleged assassination plans and possible threats to his life.

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Jagath Withana said the IGP has informed the Kalutara DIG to conduct a probe into the matter.

“The DIG has been informed via a letter from the IGP of plans to assassinate me while getting off the vehicle. The suspect’s name has also been mentioned in the letter. It says I will be shot dead,” he said. 

MP Jagath Withana further requested the Parliament and the government to take the necessary measures to investigate the matter. 

Responding to his appeal, Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih said the matter will be brought to the attention of the Speaker and informed MP Jagath Withana to present his request in writing to the Speaker. 

Also commenting on the matter, SJB and Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa said this was a serious issue as it involves life threats to a Member of Parliament.

“The Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha was shot dead, as he was not provided the necessary security, despite making requests to the Police. The Opposition MPs in Parliament also have no protection. Several MPs are facing similar situations. It is not a joke. What can be done when someone is killed? We should learn from the Weligama incident,” he said. 

MP Sajith Premadasa further requested that the Parliament draw its attention to the request of MP Jagath Withana and provide the necessary security to the MP. (Newswire)

The post “Letter says I will be shot dead”, MP Jagath Withana raises concerns over life threat appeared first on Newswire.

The Mathugama Magistrate’s Court has issued an overseas travel ban on former minister Rohitha Abeygunawardene’s daughter and son-in-law.

The court order was issued following a request made by the Walana Anti-Vice Squad.

It is reported that the request comes following investigations into the illegally imported vehicle that was seized from the possession of SJB MP Jagath Withana’s son.

Initial investigations have found that the illegally imported SUV had been sold to Jagath Withana’s son by Rohitha Abeygunawardene’s daughter. 

According to the Divaina newspaper, despite several attempts, the police have been unable to locate Rohitha Abeygunawardene’s daughter for questioning. (Newswire)

The post Overseas travel ban imposed on Rohitha Abeygunawardene’s daughter appeared first on Newswire.

A Sri Lankan opposition lawmaker’s decision to publish his monthly salary slips has sparked public debate and prompted the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to file a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking clarity on how lawmakers’ income taxes are calculated.

Kalutara District MP Jagath Withana of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya shared payslips on Facebook showing his salary, allowances and tax deductions from January to May 2025. The documents revealed that in May, Withana earned Rs. 327,713.92, while only Rs. 3,728.53 was deducted as Advance Personal Income Tax (APIT).

The disclosure drew criticism online, with many noting that private sector employees earning similar salaries pay significantly higher monthly taxes. Under tax reforms introduced in April, an employee earning Rs. 300,000 is liable to pay at least Rs. 20,000 in monthly APIT.

In a letter dated July 9, the GMOA asked Parliament to disclose how allowances and pensions for MPs are determined and whether they receive tax exemptions not available to other professionals. The group also requested information on the legal basis for any such exemptions and how pensions are calculated.

The GMOA urged authorities to respond within 14 working days, as required under the RTI Act No. 12 of 2016. (Newswire)

The post GMOA files RTI after MP reveals low income tax deduction appeared first on Newswire.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana has released his parliamentary salary details, citing a commitment to transparency.

Withana shared his salary slips for the months of January through May via a Facebook post. (Newswire)

The post SJB’s Jagath Withana shares MP salary details appeared first on Newswire.