Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam says the party decided not to participate in the protest against the 22nd Amendment after remarks by a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP indicating that other opposition parties should not join.

Kariyawasam said the SLPP had been prepared to participate in the protest, but reconsidered its decision following the SJB MP’s public statement.

He claimed that neither Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa nor other responsible SJB representatives had publicly rejected or corrected the remarks.

“We cannot go there while maintaining our self-respect under such circumstances,” Kariyawasam said.

However, he said the SLPP supported opposition to the proposed 22nd Amendment and wished the protest success.

“This should not be an SJB protest. It should be a protest by the entire country,” he said.

Kariyawasam described the proposed amendment as a serious threat to democracy and accused the government of misusing the two-thirds parliamentary majority it had received.

Responding to questions about opposition unity, Kariyawasam said the SLPP would demonstrate its political strength when an election is held. (Newswire)

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Senior Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) figure and former National Transport Commission (NTC) Chairman Renuka Perera has been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

According to Newsfirst, Perera was arrested over allegations of corruption linked to the issuance of 56 passenger service permits for the Southern Expressway.

The allegations relate to the process through which the permits were issued during his tenure as NTC Chairman.

Further details regarding the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings are expected from authorities.

The allegations against Perera have not been proven in court. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member Milinda Rajapaksa has officially handed over a complaint letter to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva regarding the arrest of SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa. 

Milinda Rajapaksa said that the letter was prepared by lawyers based in Europe.

The SLPP member, representing a civil society organisation, recently raised concerns over what he described as growing threats to individual liberty, the rule of law and institutional checks and balances in Sri Lanka during an intervention at the UN Human Rights Council. 

Addressing the Council, Milinda Rajapaksa alleged that political victimisation and selective prosecution were evident through arrests of opposition figures, citing the recent arrest of SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam has been arrested by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) over comments he made regarding an alleged attempt to assassinate the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Kariyawasam had been summoned to appear before the CCIB at 10.30 am on Monday (10) in connection with the remarks.

He had earlier said that his comments concerning the IGP had been misinterpreted.

Kariyawasam was arrested following his appearance before the CCIB. (Newswire)

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The Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court has granted permission for further investigations after the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau reported on a statement made by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam concerning an alleged plot to assassinate the Inspector General of Police (IGP). 

The Bureau informed court of the statement during proceedings, following which the Magistrate authorized investigators to continue their inquiries into the matter. 

The investigation follows concerns raised over remarks made by Kariyawasam regarding an alleged threat to the IGP, which authorities have described as serious and warranting further investigation. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has urged regional leaders to embrace the “Indian Ocean Century,” positioning Sri Lanka as a trusted bridge linking Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Speaking at the Global Economic Cooperation (GEC) East Summit in Singapore, Rajapaksa joined a panel alongside Curtis S. Chin, Chair of Senior Fellows at the Milken Institute and former U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank. 

The session was convened under the Future Economic Cooperation Council (FECC) Satellite Convening.

Rajapaksa emphasized that the Indian Ocean’s role in connecting civilizations for centuries must now evolve to connect the future.

“We are not entering the decade of the Indian Ocean. We are entering the century of the Indian Ocean,” he declared, underscoring Sri Lanka’s strategic location and its potential to serve as a hub for global cooperation.

Highlighting the importance of preparing youth for tomorrow’s jobs, Rajapaksa called for empowering the next generation through innovation, collaboration, and initiative. 

He stressed that Sri Lanka’s future lies in equipping young people with skills for emerging industries rather than traditional roles.

The GEC East Summit brought together policymakers, economists, and thought leaders to explore pathways for global economic cooperation. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of double standards in applying the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), following the arrest of a young artist from Kilinochchi over alleged LTTE‑related content in a rap song.

Rajapaksa said the move raises “serious concerns about double standards under the current government,” noting that similar LTTE‑themed songs were used by National People’s Power (NPP) politicians during the recent local government election campaign without consequence.

“A Jaffna District NPP MP reportedly shared such songs openly on social media for political benefit. Where were the Police then? Where was the PTA then?” he asked.

While stressing that the LTTE remains a banned terrorist organization and that he does not support anyone glorifying it, Rajapaksa argued that accountability must apply equally.

“One rule for politicians and another for ordinary youth is unacceptable in a democratic society,” he said in a post on X.

He warned that if the government believes such actions are unlawful, enforcement must be consistent; otherwise, the arrest will be seen as a selective abuse of power. (Newswire)

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SLPP’s Sanjeeva Edirimanne has admitted that a recent statement regarding a youth who allegedly joined the party after previously contesting from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) was false.

Addressing a media briefing, Edirimanne said it had come to light that certain information provided about the youth, identified as Amila Nirmal, was inaccurate.

He stated that the SLPP welcomes all individuals and values their support, adding that the party did not intend to attack or criticise another political party or individual.

During a recent SLPP rally held in Panadura, Edirimanne invited the youth who reportedly defected from the SJB, onto the stage alongside Namal Rajapaksa and symbolically “handed him over” to Rajapaksa.

Following the incident, the SJB’s Panadura Media Unit issued a statement rejecting Edirimanne’s claims that the youth had contested parliamentary elections under the SJB and secured around 21,000 votes.

According to the SJB statement, the youth had never contested parliamentary elections under the party. It further stated that his mother had contested the 2025 local government election from the Nalluruwa area and that both he and his mother had secured around 66 votes. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam today raised serious concerns over the death of Kapila Chandrasena, questioning whether it was a suicide, murder, or a case of being forced to take his own life.

Addressing the media, Kariyawasam claimed that Chandrasena had recently become a controversial figure after allegedly providing an affidavit to court detailing threats made against him.

According to Kariyawasam, the affidavit stated that Chandrasena had been taken to the office of the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), where he was allegedly threatened by the Director General, Ranga Dissanayake.

Kariyawasam alleged that Chandrasena had claimed he was warned to comply with certain demands or face a similar fate to another individual connected to a case involving former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

The SLPP General Secretary further claimed that Chandrasena’s affidavit had revealed attempts to implicate former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and MP Namal Rajapaksa in legal proceedings through him.

Kariyawasam also questioned how Chandrasena, who had reportedly been in remand custody, had managed to secure two bail guarantors. He called for an immediate investigation into who introduced the guarantors and whether any prison officials or CIABOC officials were involved.

He urged the courts to examine CCTV footage and conduct a full inquiry into the process through which the guarantors were provided.

Kariyawasam claimed there was growing public suspicion surrounding the incident and said the circumstances of Chandrasena’s death could not be dismissed as a simple suicide.

He further alleged that several recent incidents involving complainants and suspects had raised serious concerns regarding the rule of law and the protection of suspects’ rights in the country.

Kariyawasam called for an independent investigation and urged authorities to reveal the truth to the public, stressing that Sri Lanka is a democratic country where even suspects are entitled to legal protections and rights. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer, MP Namal Rajapaksa, says the party will move forward while learning from past mistakes, highlighting the need for reflection, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment.

He made these remarks while speaking to the media after participating in New Year rituals at Carlton House in Tangalle.

Extending New Year wishes, Namal said the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a shared cultural heritage that must be protected and passed on to future generations.

He said that the country is facing a challenging period, but expressed confidence that it could be overcome with unity and a positive outlook.

“We must understand that everyone makes mistakes, learn from them, and move forward,” he said, adding that society should also recognize and acknowledge past errors while preserving cultural values.

Namal further highlighted the importance of guiding the younger generation and creating opportunities for them to contribute to national development, saying there is a growing concern over declining trust in youth.

Referring to different periods of unrest in the country’s history, he said isolated incidents should not be used to judge the entire youth population.

He added that Sri Lanka’s future depends on harnessing the talent of young people and strengthening national unity to build a better path forward. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member Nishantha Dias said the government should ensure that public facilities reflect the country’s cultural practices, citing the lack of designated spaces for betel spitting at the newly renovated Colombo Central Bus Stand.

Dias said that despite the recent refurbishment and ceremonial reopening of the bus stand, authorities had not considered provisions for people who chew betel.

“The bus stand was painted and opened ceremoniously. But have they provided the transport facilities necessary for all the people who flock there by evening?” he said.

He noted that spitting after chewing betel remains a longstanding cultural practice in Sri Lanka and questioned why the issue had not been addressed in the planning of the facility.

Dias also said that public discussion has focused on the presence of betel stains at the bus stand rather than the absence of proper facilities.

“There is a culture in this country. Betel chewing and spitting on the ground or in some corner is an activity that has long been a part of our culture. It is true that people must change with times, but not suddenly,” he said.

He added that adequate facilities should be provided, particularly for people traveling from rural areas to urban centers. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has announced that it will not conduct its rally on International Labour Day, marked on May 01. 

Addressing the media, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said a decision has been taken by the party to conduct the rally on another day. 

“This year’s Labour Day has fallen on a Poya. Some prominent Buddhist monks have also predicted that this may be the Vesak Poya, even though the government has declared it as May 31st. Under these circumstances, we have decided as a party to mark May Day on a different date, taking into consideration the public and the rights of workers,” he said. 

Sagara Kariyawasam clarified that, as such, the Labour Day rally will not be conducted on May 01 and that the party was making arrangements to conduct it on another day. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa says if NPP minister K.D. Lal Kantha thinks he can run a government by threatening and intimidating people, disrespecting the Maha Sangha, frightening government officials, the Attorney General’s Department, and the judiciary; that is only a dream. 

He added that while Minister Lal Kantha may think it is irrelevant, the matter is relevant to the country.

Referring to the minister’s remark about using sticks instead of firearms, Rajapaksa said, “He has said that cannons are not used to shoot targets that can be hit with pellets. What we have to tell him is that we also don’t use pellets to hit targets that can be struck with marbles.”

“The government must understand the signals from the people, not just from us. Our politics cannot be stopped by threats or intimidation. The government failed to read the people’s message in the last local elections, and if they continue to ignore it, the people will deliver an even harsher response in future elections,” Rajapaksa stressed.

Rajapaksa went on to say that the government’s political manifesto is irrelevant and not trusted by anyone. 

“Lal Kantha may think he can run a government by intimidation, disrespecting the Maha Sangha, frightening officials, the Attorney General’s Department, and the judiciary, but that is not relevant to anyone; it is relevant to the country’s survival,” he added. (Newswire)

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Former Minister representing the Galle District, Ramesh Pathirana, has rejoined the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), being appointed as the organizer for the Benthara–Elpitiya electorate. 

He received his letter of appointment today (22 Jan) from SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa at the party headquarters located in Battaramulla. 

In addition, Ramesh Pathirana has also been appointed as the convener of the SLPP Health Professionals’ Association.

Alongside him today, a group of former local government chairmen and members from the Galle District also joined the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.

Ramesh Pathirana had extended his support to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the last presidential election. (Newswire)

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A group of SLPP and SJB parliamentarians, led by SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa, are scheduled to travel to Odisha, India, on a private visit to participate in the celebrations of India’s Republic Day on January 26, following an invitation from a private university in India. 

The delegation includes SJB MPs Chithral Fernando, Chamindrani Kiriella, Chathura Galappaththi, and Prasad Siriwardena, along with former SLPP MPs Indika Anuruddha, Sanjeewa Edirimanna, Sampath Athukorala, and Political Bureau member Milinda Rajapaksa.

In addition, the group is expected to undertake an observation tour of the Odisha Disaster Management Centre, recognized as one of the world’s leading disaster management institutions, and visit Buddhist archaeological sites dating back to the era of King Ashoka.

A cordial discussion regarding this visit was held recently at the official residence of the Indian High Commissioner, between the Sri Lankan delegation and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has resigned from the Committee on Parliamentary Business.

Accordingly, MP D.V. Chanaka has been appointed to fill the resulting vacancy.

The appointment was announced by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament today (19). (Newswire)

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A special discussion between the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and senior members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) was held today at the party headquarters in Nelum Mawatha.

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, National Organiser and MP D.V. Chanaka, MPs Chanaka Madugoda, and former State Ministers Indika Anuruddha and Prasanna Ranatunga took part in the meeting.

GMOA President Dr. Sanjeewa Thennakoon, Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, and several union officials also attended.

The meeting took place as the GMOA continues its ongoing trade union action, which has limited services at government hospitals in protest against several proposals in the 2026 Budget. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has issued a stern warning to former Parliamentarian Tissa Kuttiarachchi over making irresponsible statements in public meetings.

It is reported that SLPP General Secretary, Sagara Kariyawasam, had issued the warning to Tissa Kuttiarachchi over his recent statements. 

The warning comes after Tissa Kuttiarachchi said he will serve as Sri Lanka’s “unofficial president” when SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa is elected head of state.

Addressing supporters, Tissa Kuttiarachchi said he considers himself one of Rajapaksa’s closest allies and claimed that a political wave is already building for Rajapaksa to win the presidency in 2029. (Newswire)

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Sources from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) state that a new political initiative titled “Mahinda Sulangin Namal Suwanda” is set to be launched soon.

Following his departure from the official residence in Colombo, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has reportedly resumed political activities and meetings with party supporters while residing in Tangalle.

A senior spokesperson from the SLPP noted that, just as the “Mahinda Sulanga” movement was launched after the former president lost office, this new political initiative is also expected to be introduced in the near future. (Newswire)

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A complaint has been submitted to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka by the sister of former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Pradeshiya Sabha member Piyal Senadheera regarding his recent arrest.

Senadheera was taken into custody last Thursday (06) in connection with the stock of approximately 50,000 kilograms of chemical substances that was found on a plot of land in the Thalawa and Kariyamaditta areas in Middeniya.

Speaking to the media after submitting the complaint, Senadheera’s sister claimed that the police and Special Task Force (STF) acted arbitrarily during the arrest and that the incident amounted to political vengeance.

She further alleged that during the arrest, officers verbally abused family members with obscene language, causing severe distress.

She stated that the incident had inflicted serious psychological harm on her children, who are now emotionally withdrawn and refusing to attend school.

According to her, Senadheera was taken from the Embilipitiya Police without any explanation and is currently being held at the Middeniya Police Station.

She added that both her brothers are affiliated with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), and believes their arrest is politically motivated. (Newswire)

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