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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Former MP and leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Udaya Gammanpila, has warned that legal action could be pursued if the government refuses to postpone the 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, arguing that students have been given significantly less time to prepare compared to previous years.

Addressing a media briefing today (15), Gammanpila said the 2026 A/L examination is scheduled to begin on August 10, while the results of the previous examination were released only on March 31, leaving students who plan to sit the exam for a second or third time with about 133 days to prepare.

He claimed that candidates in previous years had between 178 and 198 days to prepare after receiving their results and argued that the reduced preparation period amounted to unfair treatment.

Gammanpila also alleged that first-time candidates have been disadvantaged, noting that students sitting the 2026 examination will have had around 21 months of study time, compared to 27 to 32 months available to candidates in recent years.

He further stated that affected students may have grounds to file Fundamental Rights petitions in the Supreme Court or seek relief through the Court of Appeal, claiming a violation of the constitutional principle of equality.

Recalling a similar controversy in 2022, Gammanpila said the examination was eventually postponed after concerns were raised regarding preparation time. He urged the government and the Education Ministry to reconsider the 2026 examination schedule and ensure fairness to students. (Newswire)

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Several opposition political parties began a satyagraha in Colombo on Monday (08), protesting what they describe as inhumane harassment against former State Intelligence Service Chief Major General Suresh Sallay. 

The demonstration, attended by former minister Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, is being staged at the Fort Railway Station premises.

Organizers of the satyagraha state that the protest will continue until authorities address concerns over Sallay’s treatment, calling on supporters to join in solidarity. 

Sallay was recently taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks. He is currently being held under a detention order.

Sallay was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital last night (07) after developing a sudden illness while in custody. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila has questioned the credibility of the post-mortem examination into the death of Finance Ministry Assistant Director Ranga Nishantha, describing both the death and the investigation as “suspicious.”

Speaking at a media briefing, the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader said the conclusion that Nishantha’s death was likely a suicide due to excessive bleeding from multiple cut injuries was premature and lacked sufficient forensic backing.

Gammanpila raised concerns that key forensic procedures, including toxicology and pathology tests, had not been completed before the conclusion was reached. He said it was not possible to determine whether the death was a suicide or a homicide until such examinations were finalised.

He also questioned why the Police had described the death as a suicide before the post-mortem findings were complete.

Nishantha, who had reportedly lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department over an alleged cyber fraud, was found dead at his residence, raising broader concerns about the impact on ongoing investigations.

Gammanpila said the victim’s wife had formally complained to the Police that the death was suspicious, a concern that was also noted in official correspondence related to the inquiry.

He further called for forensic analysis of fingerprints on the weapon involved, as well as blood samples found at the scene, to determine whether other individuals were involved.

The former minister also questioned the composition of the post-mortem panel, alleging potential bias and calling for a fully independent investigation.

He urged authorities to appoint a new panel of senior forensic experts to conduct a fresh examination, saying it was necessary to restore public confidence. (Newswire)

සිය සැමියාගේ මරණය සැක සහිත බවට රංග නිශාන්ත මහතාගේ බිරිඳ පොලිසියට පැමිණිලි කළ බව සෞඛ්‍ය අධ්‍යක්ෂ ජනරාල්වරයා සහ කුලියාපිටිය මහෙස්ත්‍රාත්වරයා විසින් තහවුරු කළ ලිපි pic.twitter.com/VE9V5l9lxd

— Udaya Gammanpila (@UPGammanpila) May 4, 2026

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The main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), says the party does not agree with the facts in the book written by former MP Udaya Gammanpila, titled ‘The Mastermind of the Easter Attack’.

Addressing the media, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara said party members, including Leader Sajith Premedasa, attended the book launch, as they were invited for the event.

“When someone invites for a book launch, we attend. This doesn’t mean we know the contents of the book before the launch. We attended the book launch to know of its content. Just because we attended the event doesn’t mean that we agree with the facts,” he said.

Ranjith Maddumabandara further said that the SJB does not agree with all the facts revealed in the book, adding that the Opposition party stands by its stance, calling for the mastermind to be found and brought before the law. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Navin Dissanayake has criticized the book launch by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila on the Easter Sunday attacks, claiming the event was an attempt to “whitewash the Rajapaksas.”

In a statement on social media, Dissanayake said the event was held to unveil the “mastermind” behind the Easter attacks, but noted that the individual identified was Zahran Hashim, who had already been named in the Presidential Commission report.

“There was a function to unveil the mastermind of the Easter attacks. Surprise, surprise — the mastermind was mentioned as Zahran Hashim, who was, anyway, mentioned in the Presidential Commission report,” Dissanayake said.

He further remarked that the event being held yesterday was ironic, describing it as something that “should have been held on April Fool’s Day.”

Dissanayake also expressed regret that several opposition figures attended the event, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Sagala Ratnayaka, Wajira Abeywardena, and Thalatha Athukorala.

The book launch by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila focused on findings related to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and was attended by several political figures. (Newswire)

There was a function yes to unveil the mastermind(මහා මොළකරු) of the easter attacks.Surprise surprise the matermind was mentioned as Zahran Hashim who was anyway mentioned in the Presidential comission report.This shld have been held today April fools https://t.co/YNlsCEC8V9 was… pic.twitter.com/QO9z2jRc7p

— Navin Dissanayake (@NavinDissa) April 1, 2026

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Former minister Udaya Gammanpila says the government was attempting to put him in jail on March 27 to prevent his book, revealing the mastermind of the 2019 Easter attacks, from being released on March 31.

Addressing the media today, Gammanpila said Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa had recently indicated that the book may not be released, as Gammanpila might be arrested before. 

“It is evident from the minister’s statement that the government is making preparations to arrest me to prevent my book from being released,” he said. 

Gammanpila was referring to comments by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa during last week’s government media briefing, where he responded to questions about Gammanpila’s statements. 

“If there is no issue with the case against Udaya Gammanpila scheduled for March 27, he will be able to make some revelation,” Jayatissa said, responding to Gammanpila’s claim that he would disclose the alleged mastermind behind the 2019 Easter attacks by the end of the month. 

Gammanpila further challenged Minister Nalinda Jayatissa to ensure that he is arrested on March 27 as claimed. (Newswire)

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Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) and former MP Udaya Gammanpila says the alleged mastermind behind the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, whom the government has not disclosed so far, will be revealed to the country on March 31.

Addressing a media briefing held in Colombo today (16), Gammanpila said that after conducting research for about one and a half years, a book titled ‘Finding the Mastermind of the Easter Sunday Attacks’ has been prepared.

He further said that the research book is expected to be launched on March 31 at 3.30 pm at the Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanti Mandiraya in Colombo.

“The Easter Sunday attack has been exploited for seven years. Governments were formed, governments were toppled, and without any basis, soldiers were harassed and persecuted using the Easter Sunday attack. Now the time has come to put an end to this fraud. We are ready to reveal the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks on March 31,” he said. (Newswire)

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Former MP Udaya Gammanpila has alleged that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been avoiding the appointment of the Auditor General until the end of the term of three independent members of the Constitutional Council on 18 January 2026.

In a statement, Gammanpila said it was obvious that he wants to appoint the auditor general of his choice with the support of the Constitutional Council.  

Gammanpila further alleged that the President intends to command the majority of the Constitutional Council after appointing his henchmen as independent members of the Council.  

He said, however, there is a golden opportunity for the Leader of the Opposition to defeat this grand conspiracy.   

“According to Article 41E, the members of the Constitutional Council shall continue in office until assumption of the office by the new members, notwithstanding the expiration of their terms. If the Leader of the Opposition agrees to withdraw from the established practice and follow the Constitution to the dot, we can defeat the conspiracy of the President.

“According to Article 41A(1)(e)(iii) of the Constitution, three independent persons shall be nominated by agreement of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. However, established practice was that only one name was jointly agreed upon by them, and one name each was nominated by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition out of the applicants.  If the Leader of the Opposition withdraws from this practice and demands that all three names must be jointly proposed by both, he can ensure that truly independent and impartial persons would be appointed to the Constitutional Council,” Gammanpila said. 

Udaya Gammanpila further noted that unless the Leader of the Opposition agrees to this proposal, the Prime Minister would nominate an NPP supporter to the council, and thereby the President can politicize the entire State machinery by appointing superior court judges, auditor general, attorney general and members of independent commissions of his choice. (Newswire)

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Former Minister and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila has claimed that the government is conspiring to imprison him before the combined opposition’s planned “Nugegoda Rally” on November 21.

Speaking at a media briefing held today (29), Gammanpila said that a complaint was recently lodged against him with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) by an individual representing a non-governmental organization. 

He alleged that Bribery Commission officials themselves had prepared and recorded the complaint, which accuses him of defaming the Commission’s Director General under Section 125 of the Bribery Act through his media statements.

Gammanpila further charged that the complaint was politically motivated, lacking even a valid registration number of the NGO that supposedly filed it.

He reiterated that his previous comments on the appointment of the current Director General were based on facts presented in affidavits before the Supreme Court, pointing out that the candidate who scored the highest at the interview, Madhava Tennakoon, had been overlooked in favour of Ranga Dissanayake, a decision allegedly influenced by senior government leaders.

“The Director General of the Bribery Commission was appointed as a result of a corrupt process. When we expose that, instead of correcting the wrongdoing, the government is trying to jail those who reveal the truth,” he said.

The former minister alleged that this is the seventh attempt by the current administration to arrest him and claimed that certain ministers are personally pushing for his detention. 

He added that he is now “mentally prepared” to be imprisoned and sarcastically remarked that he would “live at government expense” for a few weeks so that “the ministers who lose sleep over this can finally rest.” (Newswire)

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Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya and former Member of Parliament, Udaya Gammanpila, has appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

It is reported that his appearance this morning (09) was in connection with ongoing investigations related to the controversial consignment of 323 containers.

“For the first time, the Bribery Commission has launched a probe into the corruption linked to the controversial consignment of 323 containers,” he told the media, prior to entering the Bribery Commission premises. 

Gammanpila’s comment refers to the 323 containers, identified as mandatory inspection, which were cleared for release without proper inspection, citing congestion at the Ports, earlier this year. (Newswire)

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Former minister Udaya Gammanpila and the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya today lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, calling for legal action against the President and all National People’s Power (NPP) parliamentarians over alleged misuse of public funds.

In the letter handed over to the Commission, Gammanpila alleged that all salaries and allowances received by NPP lawmakers, including the President, are being directed to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party fund, from which members then receive stipends.

He argued that while MPs receive about Rs. 340,000 monthly in various allowances, only a portion can be lawfully spent at their discretion. The remainder, he said, is allocated for specific purposes such as office maintenance, fuel, transport, and communications, and therefore diverting those funds to a political party amounts to misappropriation.

“Using state funds meant for constituency service and parliamentary duties for party activities is corruption,” the complaint stated. Gammanpila also cited statements made publicly by MP Dewananda Suraveera, who had acknowledged the practice.

The complaint further noted that asset declarations of the President and NPP MPs did not reflect the stipends they allegedly received from the party, which, Gammanpila said, could constitute violations under the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities law and the Bribery Act.

The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya urged the Bribery Commission to launch an immediate inquiry and enforce legal provisions, which include fines and prison terms if proven.

The Commission has yet to respond to the complaint. (Newswire)

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Court of Appeal today (12) that no decision has been made at this time to arrest former Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

The court was informed in this regard when the writ petition filed by Gammanpila, requesting an order to prevent his arrest under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), was taken up for consideration today. 

In his writ petition, Gammanpila has claimed that the CID was preparing to arrest him under this Act.

Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana de Silva, appearing on behalf of the CID, informed the court that the police have not made any decision to arrest Udaya Gammanpila at this time.

He further stated that investigations are still ongoing and that any final decision will be made thereafter.

Accordingly, the hearing of the petition has been postponed until the 17th of September. (Newswire)

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Fort Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday that an investigation has been initiated under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act against former Minister Udaya Gammanpila.

According to the CID, the inquiry was launched over an alleged statement made by Gammanpila that could incite disharmony among communities. The specific remarks in question were not disclosed during the court proceedings.

The Fort Magistrate recorded the submission, while further action is expected as the investigation progresses. (Newswire)

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A group of former MPs have pointed out that the Dambulla Agro cold storage complex, inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April this year, has been issued an electricity bill amounting to Rs. 8,409,000, even before beginning operations.

The matter came to light after former MPs led by Udaya Gammanpila undertook an observation tour of the temperature-controlled agricultural warehouse in Dambulla.

During the visit today (15), a security guard at the site revealed that the power supply to the temperature-controlled warehouse has reportedly been disconnected due to non-payment of the electricity bill.

The warehouse was constructed several years ago with assistance from the Indian government, following a proposal by opposition MP Harsha de Silva.

The official opening took place on April 5th, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the facility remotely, at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. However, since that day, no services have been carried out at the warehouse.

Commenting on the situation, former MP Udaya Gammanpila urged the government to refrain from deceiving a foreign nation and its state officials, similar to deceiving the public of Sri Lanka. 

He warned that such actions could result in conflicts between Sri Lanka and other nations.

“It is nearly 04 months since the facility has been declared open. But it is not operational yet. It is ok for the government to deceive us. But please don’t deceive at an international level. This could cause wars between nations. This is a dangerous situation,” Gammanpila warned. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila says he is prepared to publicize a list of the controversial 323 containers released by Sri Lanka Customs earlier this year.

Speaking to the media, Gammanpila alleged that officials, including Customs Spokesperson Deputy Director General Seevali Arukgoda, were involved in the improper release of the goods in question.

He made these remarks before appearing at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning to record a statement regarding the matter.

“The government is unable to refute any of our revelations, as we speak only the truth. We do not make claims without evidence,” he said.

The development follows a complaint lodged by an attorney-at-law seeking an investigation into Gammanpila and MP Dayasiri Jayasekera over their claims concerning the release of the containers by Sri Lanka Customs. The two politicians alleged that the containers were released without proper inspection.

Meanwhile, MP Archchuna Ramanathan last week told Parliament that the containers contained weapons belonging to the late LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran—a claim publicly denied by Sri Lanka Customs during a media briefing held over the weekend. 

Gammanpila also claimed that the chair of the committee responsible for releasing the containers was Customs spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda, who had denied all allegations against the Customs during the briefing.

“Journalists were seen questioning the officials involved in the release, asking whether those responsible would be punished—as if they would reveal the truth. There are attempts by these officials to flee the country; therefore, we will request the CID to impose a travel ban,” Gammanpila added. (Newswire)

“I hope to publicise the 323 container list. We only speak the absolute truth,” former minister Udaya Gammanpila, on the controversial release of over 300 containers by Sri Lanka Customs. Gammanpila said that revelations made by him thus far have not been rejected by the… pic.twitter.com/x4fj3Zy7KC

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) June 9, 2025

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Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s lawyers will file an appeal against his sentencing today, Pivituru Hela Urumaya’s (PHU) General Secretary Udaya Gammanpila said.

Addressing the media, Gammanpila said that during a conversation with the lawyers, they had said that they do not accept the court ruling.

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An Attorney-at-Law has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) seeking a probe into politicians Udaya Gammanpila and Dayasiri Jayasekera’s continuous claims regarding the over 300 containers that were allegedly released by Sri Lanka Customs without proper inspection. 

Speaking to the media, Nalin Sampath Kumara said the two politicians have repeatedly claimed, on social media and mainstream media, that a rise in crime has been reported following the release of these containers. 

He said the politicians have also raised doubts whether weapons and narcotics had been smuggled in through these containers, now been released. 

Stating that no complaint or probe has been conducted into the allegations, Nalin Sampath Kumara said he has filed a complaint with the CID, seeking the politicians to be summoned and interrogated over the matter.

“They cannot be repeatedly making these claims without proof or evidence related to the containers. As ordinary citizens, it is our right to know the truth in this instance. It is essential to investigate and find out if it is related to an increase in the recent crimes reported in our country,” he added. (Newswire)

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Former MP Udaya Gammanpila says former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pillayan’ has been detained in connection with an alleged abduction case in the East, and not related to the 2019 Easter Attacks as claimed by the government.

Udaya Gammanpila, the counsel representing Pillayan, said that the order signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is concerning unlawful activity connected to aiding and abetting the kidnapping of a person. 

Speaking to the media, Udaya Gammanpila said in no way does the order say the arrest and detention of Pillayan is connected to the Easter Attacks. 

The former Parliamentarian also pointed out that Pillayan could not have been privy to information related to the Easter Attacks, as he had been detained from 2015 to 2020.

“As such, if anyone says Pillayan is the mastermind of the Easter attacks, it is a joke. The Public Security Minister on 10th April claimed in Parliament that Pillayan has revealed details regarding the Easter attacks. On 12th April, the President said a person from Batticaloa had been arrested in connection with the Easter attacks. However, when I visited Pillayan on 13th April, it was evident that this man has not spoken a single word about the attacks, as claimed by the government,” Udaya Gammanpila said. 

The former Parliamentarian said it is evident that Pillayan had no way to know about the Easter Attacks as he was in remand custody before and during the attacks. 

Providing details on representing Pillayan as his lawyer, Udaya Gammanpila said he made the decision after being informed that Pillayan’s lawyers had been denied access to meet him.

Udaya Gammanpila said Pillayan’s lawyer, his friend, had informed him that his juniors had been denied access to Pillayan by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) when they had attempted to meet him on 09 April 2025. 

“After this, I met Pillayan’s family and obtained the necessary details. I then contacted the Director General of the CID via telephone and informed her that Pillayan’s family and lawyers had been denied access to him, which was a violation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). I also informed her that as I am now Pillayan’s counsel and need to meet him, will I be given permission?” he said. 

Gammanpila said that upon being informed by the CID Director General to make the request in writing and doing so, he was granted permission to meet Pillayan.

“However, four Police officers were present during our meeting, which is not the ordinary practice during such instances. A meeting between a lawyer and his detained client should be confidential. But, despite requesting the Police officers to leave us alone, they rejected the request and remained present during our meeting,” he said, revealing details of the meeting. 

Udaya Gammanpila also said that Pillayan had broken down crying, questioning if he was being penalised for helping the country defeat the LTTE at the risk of his life and for how many more years he was going to be detained. 

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, widely known as ‘Pillayan’, was detained for 90 days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act on 12th April 2025 after being arrested by the CID in Batticaloa on 08th April. 

The detention is in connection with the 2006 abduction and disappearance of a university vice chancellor in the Eastern Province. (Newswire)

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The Colombo High Court today acquitted former MP Udaya Gammanpila and another suspect from the financial fraud case filed involving an Australian national’s company. 

The verdict has been issued after a 09-year trial on the case filed against Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila over a fraudulent share transaction.

Udaya Gammanpila has been accused of forging the signature of an Australian national to prepare a legal document to sell shares belonging to the latter’s company in 2016.

Subsequently, Gammanpila was accused of having misappropriated funds of up to Rs 21 million between September 26, 1996 and September 21, 1997. (Newswire)

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