Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman has questioned the government over a statement made by a prison official, claiming that the Negombo Prison unrest could have been prevented if orders had been issued on time.

Addressing Parliament today, Rahman highlighted the official’s remark: “It could have been nipped in the bud. Only if we had been given orders to stop the incident. Prisoners are also human.”

Rahman said an incident that could have been easily prevented eventually escalated into a clash before being halted.

“Why were decisions not taken to nip it in the bud? Who failed to take decisions and issue orders? This incident occurred due to the failure to act,” he said.

The Opposition MP further pointed out that similar incidents have occurred in other prisons in Sri Lanka, stressing this was not the first.

“Your national policy has two pages on prison overcrowding and solutions to this issue. The Justice Minister has been aware of this problem since 2024. Why were necessary measures not taken? That is why this issue has now arisen,” Rahman said.

He emphasized that the prison official’s statement confirms the incident could have been prevented, questioning why authorities failed to act.

Revealing that a group of foreign inmates had been moved to different prisons following the first clash on Sunday, Rahman asked why unruly inmates involved in the incident were not also transferred to prevent escalation. (Newswire)

The post MP Mujibur claims Negombo Prison unrest could have been avoided appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman today accused the government of corruption in connection with the President’s announcement of a surcharge on imported vehicles, claiming that politically connected businessmen benefited from advance knowledge of the Gazette.

Rahman told Parliament that on May 15, a day before the surcharge was announced, 1,782 brand-new vehicles opened Letters of Credit (LCs).

“How was it possible for over 1,700 vehicles to open LCs a day before the Gazette was published? Who do these vehicles belong to?” he asked, alleging that the imports were linked to businessmen close to the President.

He charged that the news of the surcharge had leaked, allowing certain car dealership owners close to the President to benefit.

“This is an organized crime. Before the President could publish the Gazette, dealership owners around him had already opened LCs,” Rahman said.

The MP dismissed the Deputy Finance Minister’s denial of reports that 4,000 LCs were opened, insisting that data until the end of May would confirm the figure.

Rahman further argued that the law was being applied unequally, disadvantageous to those importing used vehicles.

“If laws are being initiated regarding vehicles, they should be equal to all. But the law does not apply to certain businessmen. The President says the law is equal to all, but it is not so. Those who supported the President are now benefitting,” he said.

He accused the government of creating what he called a “crony economy”, designed to benefit allies of the President.

“The President has brought laws to benefit those around him and earn as much as they want,” Rahman charged. (Newswire)

The post Mujibur asks: “Who leaked the info?” over 1,782 vehicle LCs before Gazette appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman says the Iranian Navy Ship that sank off the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka had sought permission to dock at the Galle Harbour, but the government had failed to respond in time. 

MP Rahman said the Iranian Navy ship had participated in a military training programme in India along with 74 other countries, including Sri Lanka. 

“The ship had left India after the training but had to change course due to the Middle East conflict. As such, it was in the waters 40 nautical miles from Sri Lanka for nearly 11 hours. The ship had requested to dock at the Galle harbour. But the government had not responded,” he said. 

MP Rahman pointed out that the US submarine was in the Gulf and had received information about the Iranian Navy ship, after which it had targeted the vessel close to Sri Lankan waters. 

“Why did we allow the Iranian ship to wait for 11 hours. We are bound by international laws and conventions. Why did we not allow the vessel to berth at Galle Port? Why the delay?” MP Rahman further questioned.

Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman raised the questions in Parliament today while commenting on the attack on the Iranian Navy ship ‘Iris Dena’ off the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka yesterday. (Newswire)

The post IRIS Dena : Govt failed to respond to Iranian Ship’s docking request – MP Rahman appeared first on Newswire.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman says that while the National People’s Power (NPP) once defeated his party through a secret vote, today they have openly been defeated by voting down the Colombo Municipal Council budget.

He further noted that this outcome has occurred within just six months, a relatively short period of time.

MP Rahman went on to add that the President must understand that votes cannot be secured simply by offering biryani at night to councillors.

“You came into power to end the political practice of offering privileges and biriyani to MPs and councillors. But after coming into power, you have also continued with the same practice. Now, we have sent a message to the government proving that they do not hold power in the CMC. From now on, the CMC will be controlled by the joint opposition,” he added. 

MP Mujibur Rahman made the remarks while speaking to the media after the Colombo Municipal Council budget was defeated yesterday. (Newswire)

The post CMC Mayor is a puppet now – MP Mujibur appeared first on Newswire.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman has stated that he had formally requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure his personal safety, it was reported. 

According to the Mawbima newspaper, Mujibur Rahman said that unknown individuals claiming to be from the police had visited his residence and those of his relatives over the past month and during the previous week. He had submitted a complaint to the IGP requesting an investigation and a report on these visits.

Mujibur Rahman, known for his strong criticism of government shortcomings, claimed that his official security had been withdrawn. He expressed suspicion that a group affiliated with the government may be sending unidentified individuals to his home in an attempt to intimidate or silence him.

He further stated that senior police officials were unaware of the identities of those who had visited his residence and his relatives’ homes. According to the MP, two individuals claiming to be from the Nugegoda and Mirihana police divisions had come to his residence during the first week of last month, while he was attending the parliamentary budget debate.

He said the visitors had questioned the residents about his place of residence and other personal details. Mujibur Rahman contacted the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in charge of the Mirihana division to inquire whether he was aware of the officers who had visited his home. The ASP reportedly said he had no knowledge of such a visit.

Mujibur Rahman added that he had made several phone calls to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Mirihana division but received no response.

He also revealed that a week earlier, several individuals claiming to be from the police had visited his wife’s residence in Borella and questioned the occupants about his whereabouts and other personal information.

Additionally, Mujibur Rahman said that last Friday, two individuals claiming to be from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had visited his sister’s home in Mount Lavinia and inquired about him.

He noted that his sister had informed the officers that he had moved out of that residence to live in Kolonnawa ten years ago and no longer resides there. The officers reportedly said they were investigating a complaint Mujibur Rahman had made to the police about a missing SIM card.

Mujibur Rahman stated that when his sister offered to let him speak to the officers over the phone, one of them declined and left. He clarified that he had never made a complaint to the police about a missing SIM card.

When he contacted DIG Karuwita to inquire about the matter, the DIG reportedly said he was unaware of such a complaint and that police do not conduct house visits for missing SIM card investigations.

Mujibur Rahman also said he had spoken to CID Director Shani Abeysekara regarding the incident, who confirmed that he had no knowledge of such a visit. (Newswire)

The post Mujibur Rahman seeks Police protection appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman has urged the government to engage in discussions with India to allow Pakistan’s special relief aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka to cross its airspace. 

Addressing the media today, MP Rahman said that the Indian Government’s “partial flight clearance” for the aircraft, which is carrying emergency supplies for flood-affected Sri Lankans, is insufficient. 

“According to current reports, India has allowed a window of 06 hours for Pakistani aircraft to deliver their relief supplies and return. However, it takes at least 4 ½ hours to travel from Pakistan’s Rawalpindi to Sri Lanka. So the “partial flight clearance” provided by India is insufficient,” he said. 

MP Rahman urged the government to immediately intervene and hold discussions with the Indian Government, to work towards receiving the relief aid being provided by Pakistan, emphasizing that all and any aid granted was vital for Sri Lanka at this juncture. 

Earlier today, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused India of blocking a special relief aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, saying the flight has been waiting for clearance for more than 60 hours.

In a statement posted on X, the ministry said the aircraft, which is carrying emergency supplies for flood-affected Sri Lankans, has faced repeated delays due to a lack of overflight approval from India.

According to the statement, India granted only a “partial flight clearance” after 48 hours, but Pakistan described it as “operationally impractical” because the approval was valid for only a few hours and did not include permission for the return leg. (Newswire)

The post Opposition MP urges talks with India over Pakistan relief flight clearance for Sri Lanka appeared first on Newswire.

A tense situation arose in Parliament today when opposition MP Mujibur Rahman inquired about the new Director General of the Bribery Commission, High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake.

Addressing Parliament today, MP Rahman said there are reports that Ranga Dissanayake had worked for the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s (JVP) legal team.

When the MP pointed out that this was a serious issue, he was stopped by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne from raising the matter, stating that it was irrelevant.

However, responding to MP Rahman’s question, Leader of the House Minister Bimal Rathnayake recited a poem, hinting that the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) seems to be unaware of what they are seeking.

“What has happened to the SJB? You were an important political party before, right?” he further questioned. 

The argument occurred after former JVP MP and current UNP member Nandana Gunathilake, attending a TV programme yesterday, alleged that Ranga Dissanayake served as a legal officer of the JVP under him at the time. 

He further questioned whether his appointment could be considered neutral. (Newswire)

The post Tensions rise in Parliament over Bribery DG’s JVP past appeared first on Newswire.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman has criticized the government over its visa-free policy for Israeli nationals, questioning the moral and political basis for this decision.

Addressing the media yesterday, MP Rahman said the government was siding with Israel at a time when the world was condemning the war against Palestine. 

“At a time when many countries were condemning the brutal actions and genocidal campaigns carried out by Israel against the Palestinian people, our Government is siding with Israel,” he said.

The SJB MP further said that the government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has deviated from Sri Lanka’s long-standing history of supporting Palestine.

Pointing out that when in the opposition, the President and his allies vocally stood for Palestinian rights, protesting outside embassies, MP Rahman said, however, now, in government, they have made a complete U-turn in policy. 

SJB MP Mujibur Rahman further raised concerns over the government’s decision to allow a country accused of war crimes to operate freely in Sri Lanka without scrutiny.

Pointing out that the government has allowed Israeli intelligence operations and illegal centres to function freely within Sri Lanka, MP Rahman emphasized that these activities pose a direct threat to Sri Lanka’s national security. (Newswire)

The post MP Mujibur questions Govt over visa-free policy for Israelis appeared first on Newswire.

Attorney-at-Law Navodya Gamage has issued a letter of demand on behalf of Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman, seeking Rs. 50 million in damages from journalist Poddala Jayantha over a Facebook post deemed defamatory.

The letter, dated June 19, 2025, accuses Jayantha of publishing a post containing false, unverified, and damaging allegations against Rahman, with the intention of misleading the public and tarnishing his reputation. It notes that the post had been widely shared—over 1,000 times—exacerbating the reputational harm.

The letter further warns that failure to pay the demanded amount will result in legal action without further notice.

In response, Poddala Jayantha issued a detailed public statement and apology on Facebook, admitting the report was erroneous and attributing the mistake to human error. He said the post was removed after discovering the information was inaccurate and that he immediately published MP Rahman’s denial with the same prominence as the original post.

Jayantha emphasized that the correction was made voluntarily and in line with media ethics. “If MP Mujibur Rahman experienced any distress or discomfort as a result of the earlier report, I express my sincere regret,” he said. (Newswire)

The post MP Mujibur demands Rs 50M over False Defamatory Post; Journalist Apologizes appeared first on Newswire.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali has issued a conditional restraining order against Pradeep Charles, Chairman of the United National Self-Employed Traders’ Association and former SJB member, along with YouTubers Nadeesha Amaranath and Thushara Sewwandi.

The order follows a complaint filed by MP Mujibur Rahuman under Section 24 of the Online Safety Act, citing continued publication of defamatory content despite a prior court ruling in his favour.

The restraining order prohibits the respondents from publishing or disseminating the alleged content. All parties have been summoned to appear in court on June 27. (Newswire)

The post Mujibur Rahuman secures restraining order over alleged defamatory content appeared first on Newswire.

Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman has raised concerns over the government’s decision to impose a 15% tax on people from the IT industry and freelancers, working for foreign entities. 

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Rahman said the tax targets those who provide services to external parties and bring back foreign exchange. 

“The government has proposed a tax for those working in the Platform IT industry, especially those such as web designers, web developers, video editors, etc. This is also applicable to freelancers working from home for foreign entities,” he said.

MP Mujibur Rahman questioned why the government has imposed this tax while it has remained silent over the imposition of a tax for online casinos.

He pointed out that opposition MP Harsha de Silva has called for the introduction of such a tax and has also proposed a system to the Committee on Public Finances.

Highlighting the unfairness of taxing freelancers in the IT industry, the MP questioned why it was being imposed while the government remained silent on the online casino tax. (Newswire)

The post Mujibur raises concerns over taxing Dollar earning freelancers appeared first on Newswire.

The Government says it has not granted approval for the establishment of ‘Synagogues’ by Israeli tourists in various parts of Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya clarified that the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs or its departments have not granted such permission. 

“These centres are not permitted. We will intervene in this matter very soon. However, we were prompted to provide them with security, following intelligence on the Arugam Bay incident. That is our country’s responsibility towards tourists, and not permission to set up illegal centres,” the Prime Minister explained. 

Reiterating that the government has not given approval for such establishments, she revealed that discussions are underway, with the intervention of the Foreign Ministry, to address the matter and to halt its operations. 

The Prime Minister further noted that a total of 25,514 Israelis visited Sri Lanka in 2024.

PM Amarasuriya also clarified that there are no laws in Sri Lanka that allow foreigners to arrive on tourist visas and engage in business activities.

“No laws in Sri Lanka allow people to arrive on tourist visas and engage in business activities. We have received information in this regard. This has become a common occurrence the world over. We have identified this as an issue,” she said.

The Prime Minister revealed that discussions are underway to address this matter and the government was looking at measures to halt such activities. 

“The government has not issued any visa for Israelis to engage in business activities in Sri Lanka, especially under tourist visas. They are engaging in such activities by violating our laws,” she added.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya made the remarks in response to questions raised by Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman over the increasing activities of Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

pic.twitter.com/coYxd43y12

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) January 8, 2025

The post No approval for Israeli tourists to set up synagogues : PM appeared first on Newswire.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member Mujibur Rahman says his WhatsApp account has been hacked, with an online financial scam targeting his close associates. 

The former MP filed a complaint today with the cybercrimes unit of the  Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in this regard.

Speaking to the media after filing his complaint, Mujibur Rahman said his WhatsApp account had been hacked and several of his close associates had received messages through his mobile number requesting money.

“WhatsApp messages have been sent to my close associates claiming to be and requesting money. Two bank account numbers have also been shared to deposit money. I was notified of this by a friend,” he said.

Stating that some of his close associates had attempted to transfer money to the said bank accounts, the former MP said this was a serious issue. 

Mujibur Rahman pointed out that either a group or an individual is engaging in this financial scam at a time when some politicians contesting the General Election were engaging in election campaigning.

It is reported that Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a rise in WhatsApp account hacks, with cybercriminals using verification code manipulation to gain access to accounts and defraud contacts.

In recent incidents, users have reported receiving unexpected WhatsApp verification codes. Scammers then contact users, posing as friends or acquaintances, to request the code, which, once shared, grants hackers control over the account. (Newswire)

The post WhatsApp account hacked : Mujibur goes to CID appeared first on Newswire.

Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman claims President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has failed to change the practice of political appointees to state services, and was continuing it.

Addressing the media, Mujibur Rahman pointed out that the President’s recent appointments to state services are those who backed his election campaign.

“A large number of state sector workers voted for President Dissanayake. Postal votes prove this, as 60%- 70% of the votes were for the NPP. However, the state sector is facing an issue, as instead of suitable persons from the state services, those who backed the President are being appointed to senior positions,” the former MP said. 

Stating that the state sector did not expect this, he said they expected the President to get rid of the practice of political appointees to the state services and provide opportunities for deserving employees to move upwards in the sector. 

“The allegations raised by the NPP in the past on political appointees to the state services are being repeated by the new administration, without implementing changes as promised,” he said. 

Former MP Mujibur Rahman warned that this could result in a crisis within the State Sector in the future. (Newswire)

The post SJB questions President’s political appointees for state sector appeared first on Newswire.

Nearly 80 key ministers and Parliamentarians are preparing to leave the country after the Presidential polls on 21 September 2024, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman said. 

Addressing the media, MP Rahman said several ministers and key persons who had acted as spokespersons for President Ranil Wickremesinghe are set to leave the country.

“Information has come to light that they have realised Ranil Wickremesinghe’s true nature. Some of them who regret their actions have realised that they have lost the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and cannot continue with the President, and are at a crossroads now,” the SJB MP said. 

Stating that around 80 of these figures have already secured their visas, MP Rahman said that it has become clear to them that Ranil Wickremesinghe was no longer their protector.

MP Rahman further said the group had also realised that the President was only using them to work towards National Peoples’ Power (NPP) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s victory. (Newswire)

The post SJB MP says 80 Govt MP planning to leave country appeared first on Newswire.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member Mujibur Rahman took oaths as a member of Parliament today.

Rahman was sworn in before the Speaker to fill the Parliamentary seat vacated by the disqualification of former State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage.

Diana Gamage was disqualified from Parliament after the Supreme Court ruled this week that she was not eligible to hold a seat in the Parliament of Sri Lanka. 

The ruling was issued after taking up for consideration the petition that was filed challenging Gamage’s citizenship and right to hold a Parliamentary seat due to her British citizenship.

Following Gamage’s disqualification, the SJB proposed to nominate Mujibur Rahman via the party’s National List to fill the Parliamentary vacancy. 

The SJB is entitled to nominate a candidate to fill the vacancy in Parliament as Diana Gamage had entered the Parliament via the SJB’s National List. (Newswire) 

The post Mujibur Rahman replaces Diana Gamage in Parliament appeared first on Newswire.

Former MP Mujibur Rahman’s name will be nominated from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) National List following the disqualification of State Minister Diana Gamage, the SJB announced today.

Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa said Mujibur Rahman’s name will be nominated to fill the Parliamentary seat of Diana Gamage. 

MP Premadasa further said that the SJB’s nomination will be sent to the National Election Commission.

The SJB is entitled to nominate a candidate to fill the vacancy in Parliament as Diana Gamage had entered the Parliament via the SJB’s National List. 

State Minister of Tourism and SJB member Diana Gamage lost her Parliamentary seat after the Supreme Court today ruled that she was not eligible to hold a seat in the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The Supreme Court three-judge bench delivered the verdict after taking up for consideration the writ petition that had challenged Diana Gamage’s citizenship and right to hold a Parliamentary seat.

The writ petition was filed by civil activist Oshala Herath, who sought a ruling that Diana Gamage was unqualified to serve as a Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament due to her British citizenship. (Newswire)

The post SJB proposes Mujibur Rahman to replace Diana Gamage in Parliament appeared first on Newswire.

Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman is currently under observation at the Colombo National Hospital, SJB MP Harsha de Silva said.

Taking to ‘X’ MP de Silva confirmed that former MP Rahman had fallen ill during the SJB protest held in Colombo today. 

MP Harsha de Silva further said that the former MP had faced breathing difficulties as a result of the tear gas fired by the Police to disperse the protesters. 

“People inquiring re @adaderana news alert on Mujibur Rahman. It was I who answered his phone at National Hospital ETU and the basis for attributing story to me. Muji is under observation and hopefully leave later; breathing difficulties caused by strong tear gas attack,” he said, in a message on ‘X’.

The SJB staged a protest in Colombo today against the government, especially the high cost of living.

The Police fired water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters near the Public Library in Colombo. (NewsWire)

The post SJB protest: Former MP Mujibur Rahman hospitalised appeared first on Newswire.