The United National Party (UNP) today called on the Sri Lanka Police to retract its July 9 statement urging the public to report individuals who have “suddenly acquired significant assets or are living luxurious lifestyles without any apparent lawful source of income.”

The UNP argued that the directive violates the fundamental role of the police service, citing the UK’s Independent Inquiry Report which defines policing as upholding law and order and bringing offenders to justice. 

“The purpose of the Police service is to uphold law and order and bring to justice those who break the law, to keep the Queen’s peace,” the party noted.

Highlighting that Sri Lanka has no wealth tax, the UNP pointed out that many rural families have gained assets legitimately, including through foreign employment. 

Others may have failed to declare earnings due to limited awareness of tax procedures. Without clear guidelines, the party warned, the police directive could become “an instrument of harassment and intimidation.”

The UNP stressed that such matters should be coordinated with the Police Narcotics Unit, Inland Revenue Department, and Attorney General’s Department before issuing public instructions.

It urged the police to withdraw the statement and replace it with a more specific directive to avoid undue pressure on rural communities. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has accused the National People’s Power (NPP) government of failing to pursue the economic recovery and growth framework introduced by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in 2022.

In a statement, UNP Working Committee member Dinouk Colombage said while the NPP initially continued Wickremesinghe’s stabilization plan, it had neglected the growth component that was central to the strategy.

“The rupee was meant to appreciate and inflation kept below 3%. Instead, the currency continues to depreciate and inflation has climbed above 6%,” he noted.

Colombage argued that the IMF programme has become a “standalone plan” focused solely on stabilization, with no parallel growth measures introduced. 

He questioned how Sri Lanka could prepare to repay debt while simultaneously reducing poverty and raising public income levels without a comprehensive growth agenda.

“The government must answer how it intends to balance debt repayment with improving living standards. Without a growth plan, stabilization alone cannot deliver recovery,” Colombage stressed. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has raised concerns over expenses related to the investigation into former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s UK visit, claiming that former official Aruna Fernando was paid £650 to provide evidence in the case recently.

Issuing a statement, the UNP said Aruna Fernando, who served as Chief Administrative Officer at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London during the tenure of High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena, had later left the post without proper notification. 

According to the UNP, Aruna Fernando appeared from Blackpool City before a team of Sri Lankan Police officers, when they visited London to collect evidence regarding the case.

The UNP further alleged that expenses for Wickremesinghe’s visit were arranged by Aruna Fernando, with direct support from Sky Wing Company owned by his associate, Saayi Mukundan.

In addition, the UNP said the government has spent a significant sum to send five Police officers to London for evidence gathering. 

Despite inquiries made under the Right to Information Act five months ago, no response has yet been provided regarding these costs, the UNP statement said. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has issued a statement questioning whether the Sri Lankan government has sought access to material from the U.S. investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The party recalled that then‑Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had requested a full investigation by the U.S. Government immediately after the attacks, citing limited expertise within local agencies. Wickremesinghe also made a similar request during a phone call with the U.S. President Donald Trump on April 22, 2019.

The FBI subsequently conducted a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with Sri Lankan authorities including the CID, Military Intelligence, and State Intelligence Services. A report was handed over to the Sri Lankan government and accepted by all relevant agencies.

The UNP noted that FBI Special Agent Merrilee R. Godwin filed a 71‑page affidavit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on November 12, 2020, following a two‑year probe. A criminal case was filed in Los Angeles on December 11, 2020, naming suspects already detained in Sri Lanka.

According to the UNP, all material from the U.S. investigation remains with the FBI and the Department of Justice. 

The party questioned whether the Sri Lankan government has formally requested this material since restarting its own investigation, and if not, why such a step has not been taken. 

The UNP stressed that the documents must be made available to judicial authorities in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) today issued a clarification stating that Ashu Marasinghe is not a member of the party.

Issuing a statement, the party further said that Marasinghe does not represent the UNP’s views in any capacity. 

Former MP Ashu Marasinghe previously served as an advisor to UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, during the latter’s tenure as President. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has strongly condemned what it described as the inhumane treatment of former State Intelligence Chief Major General Suresh Sallay, who was arrested and later admitted to the Colombo National Hospital due to his deteriorating health condition. 

Issuing a statement today (09), the UNP said such treatment violates both Article 11 of the Constitution and international conventions, including the ICCPR, and warned that the matter has already drawn the attention of the international community.

The UNP further proposed that a Parliamentary group be dispatched to examine Sallay’s condition and the manner in which he is being treated, stressing that any action against him must be consistent with constitutional protections and international obligations.

According to Sallay’s wife and son, his health is not in good condition, and the UNP alleged that he has been subjected to torture and inhumane treatment while in custody. 

The party noted that Section 9(b)(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act places responsibility on the Magistrate to ensure suspects are protected under the Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The UNP cautioned that normalizing such treatment could set a dangerous precedent, potentially extending to opposition groups and even Buddhist monks, at a time when the government is accused of attempting to control the Buddhist religion. 

The party emphasized that it remains vigilant about the government’s conduct and reiterated that Sallay’s case must be handled strictly in line with the Constitution and international conventions. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has informed that it will not participate in the May Day Rally organized by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) this year, citing the coincidence of May 1 with the religious observance of the full moon Poya day.

In a letter dated April 27, UNP General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale noted that while many people expect the UNP and SJB to work together, the party had already decided to refrain from political activities on May Day when it falls on a Poya day. 

She recalled that former President Ranasinghe Premadasa had emphasized the importance of dedicating such occasions to religious observances rather than political events.

Atukorale stated that, as a result, UNP members will not be able to participate in the May Day rallies organized by the SJB or any other party this year. 

However, she reiterated that the UNP remains prepared to collaborate with the SJB in future political activities, and expressed wishes for success in the SJB’s endeavours. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has issued a special statement addressing misinformation circulating on social media ahead of International Workers’ Day (May Day) on May 1.

The UNP said that several posts shared online using the UNP’s official symbols are completely false and do not represent its stance.

The party noted that this year, May 1 coincides with Vesak Poya, and therefore, the UNP has not decided to hold any May Day celebration either independently or in collaboration with another party or organization.

The statement further noted that any official announcement regarding May Day activities would be released exclusively through the UNP’s verified Facebook page and official YouTube channel. (Newswire)

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Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is recovering following a successful surgery in Singapore, the United National Party (UNP) said.

Issuing a statement, UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena stated that Wickremesinghe remains under medical supervision at the hospital for several more days.

Noting that Wickremesinghe’s birthday falls on March 24, he expressed gratitude to UNP supporters across the nation, marking the occasion with religious observances. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has expressed concern over the continued silence of the Sri Lankan government regarding the sinking of an Iranian vessel by a U.S. submarine within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to a statement issued by the UNP, the party questioned whether the Sri Lankan government had been informed by the United States prior to the military action carried out in the country’s EEZ, particularly within the framework of the Colombo Security Conclave.

The UNP warned that such actions have effectively turned Sri Lanka’s EEZ into a warzone, posing risks to commercial interests. 

The party also noted that shipping costs and insurance premiums are expected to rise, which could negatively impact the national economy and increase the cost of living.

The statement further urged the government to seek assurances from the United States that no further military action will be conducted in the vicinity of Sri Lanka. 

It also called on authorities to engage with shipping companies and insurance providers to assess and mitigate the potential economic impact. 

The statement comes following the sinking of the Iranian Navy ship ‘IRIS Dena’ off the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka this week. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) will mark a significant step in its digital transformation with a special launch event scheduled for Feb. 4, 2026, at its Sirikotha headquarters.

As part of the initiative, the party will formally appoint 1,000 Digital Wardens to cover electoral wards across Sri Lanka. The appointments mark the initial phase of a broader plan to streamline party operations and enhance public engagement through technology, UNP Deputy Secretary General Harin Fernando said.

The UNP will also introduce its new mobile platform, the UNP App, designed to facilitate communication among party members, organizers, and the public. The application will serve as a tool for information dissemination and connectivity

Additionally, the party headquarters will officially activate Starlink high-speed internet services during the event, aiming to bolster digital communication infrastructure, the party said in a statement.

The UNP said the effort reflects its commitment to building a people-focused and technology-driven political culture. (Newswire)

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Senior members of the United National Party (UNP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa held a key meeting to discuss national challenges and the formulation of forward-looking policy strategies.

The meeting was attended by SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa along with UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene and senior members Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Navin Dissanayake.

“Had productive and constructive discussions on challenges faced by our motherland and the importance of formulating innovative policy prescriptions that would fulfill the national objectives in an effective and efficient manner,” Premadasa said in a post on X.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing discussions over a possible alliance of the SJB and UNP. (Newswire)

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United National Party (UNP) Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe says he is prepared to step down from the party leadership at any time if his position becomes an obstacle to unity between the UNP and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

The Lankadeepa newspaper reported that during Wednesday’s (17) Executive Committee meeting at Sirikotha, the UNP headquarters in Pitakotte, Ranil Wickremesinghe stated he would have no objection to stepping down as party leader if a merger with the SJB is agreed upon.

Currently, discussions on cooperation between the UNP and SJB are underway. The UNP has appointed a committee comprising Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala, and National Organizer Sagala Ratnayaka, while the SJB side is led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Wickremesinghe noted that he has not yet received an official progress report on these talks, but stressed to the Executive Committee that the discussions must be concluded swiftly, as there is no time to drag them on.

He emphasized that from next year, opposition parties should unite to build a strong people’s force against the government, urging that the ongoing talks be expedited.

Wickremesinghe further stated that if a consensus is reached for the UNP and SJB to merge, and if the UNP Executive Committee proposes that Sajith Premadasa or another figure should take over leadership, he would have no objection.

He added that he himself supports the idea of the UNP and SJB coming together.

The UNP leader reiterated that he is ready to step down from leadership at any moment if it facilitates such unity.

“I have been the party leader for a long time. I became the country’s President. I have reached the highest position possible. At the most difficult moment for the country, I took responsibility and worked to lift it up. Therefore, stepping aside is not a problem for me. But this must be concluded quickly,” Wickremesinghe further informed the committee. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) on Tuesday accused the government of failing to activate Sri Lanka’s National Disaster Management Plan during last week’s severe flooding, saying the omission contributed to the scale of devastation reported across the country.

In a special statement, dated 02 December 2025, the party said the Disaster Management Council is legally required to formulate and implement the National Disaster Management Plan under the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005, but key procedures outlined in the plan were not followed.

According to the document, the plan requires constant coordination with technical agencies such as the Department of Meteorology, the National Building Research Organisation, and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, along with international early-warning bodies. It also mandates the issuance of early warnings, preparation of bulletins, and dissemination of alerts to vulnerable communities through Grama Niladhari divisions, media, mobile alerts, call centres and local authorities.

The plan also outlines a “last-mile dissemination” process involving the Disaster Management Centre’s Emergency Operation Centre, the military, police, provincial agencies and humanitarian organizations. The UNP statement includes an infographic showing the required chain of communication from technical agencies to community-level alerts on hazards such as floods, landslides and storms.

The party said national-level annual preparedness meetings, required under section 3.13 of the plan and involving key agencies, including the Irrigation Department and the Ministry of Health, were part of the mandated emergency readiness process. A sensitization workshop on the 2023-2030 plan was held in June this year, led by the Disaster Management Centre, with the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence as chief speaker, the statement noted.

However, the UNP said the plan was not activated on November 27 as the country braced for the worst impacts of Cyclone Ditwah. Instead, the most critical operational day, November 28, was declared a public holiday, and early-warning communication outlined in the plan “was never activated,” the party said.

The statement further argued that the President failed to invoke Sections 11 and 12 of the Disaster Management Act, which allow the declaration of a State of Disaster. As a result, the act “was never put into operation,” it said. The party also said the President, Prime Minister and Cabinet “failed to act under the relevant provisions of the laws to mitigate the harm done by a disaster”.

Quoting a Supreme Court observation from the Easter Sunday attack cases, the UNP said failure by the executive to act or prevent harm during a crisis may amount to a constitutional violation if it infringes upon the fundamental right to life. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa says the upcoming anti-government rally in Nugegoda on November 21 aims to remind the government of the promises it made to the people.

Addressing the media after a meeting at former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s party office on Flower Road, Colombo, Rajapaksa said that several opposition parties are participating in the discussions.

“In the past, discussions were held within the SLPP, but today we met with the United National Party (UNP) to ensure the success of the rally,” he said.

He added that the rally is intended to hold the government accountable and encourage it to act on its commitments. “Many people affected by government policies will join the rally,” he said.

Accordingly, the SLFP and UNP have agreed to participate, while other parties are expected to confirm their involvement after internal deliberations. (Newswire)

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Former Executive Director of the State Engineering Corporation, Sarathchandra Gunaratna Jayatilaka, has been arrested on corruption charges.

Officers from the Bribery Commission today arrested Jayatilaka for authorizing the use of State Engineering Corporation employees and resources to renovate the United National Party headquarters, “Sirikotha”, without following proper procedures.

According to the Bribery Commission, the move resulted in a financial loss of Rs. 1,667,294.87 to the Corporation and an undue benefit to the political party.

The suspect is scheduled to be presented before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has created a new senior position titled Deputy Secretary General of Political Mobilization, effective immediately.

Former Minister Harin Fernando has been appointed to the post. His main responsibility will be to unite political parties across Sri Lanka and coordinate a common program of action, according to party sources.

In addition, Fernando will oversee the organization of more than 1,000 meetings and rallies planned by the UNP as part of its new political mobilization drive. (Newswire)

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Former Executive Director of the State Engineering Corporation (SEC), Nilu Wijedasa, has been arrested by the Bribery Commission. 

The arrest is based on allegations that he caused a financial loss exceeding Rs. 1.6 million to the government by misusing SEC employees and property for the renovation of the United National Party headquarters at Sirikotha in 2019.

According to the Bribery Commission, he is scheduled to be presented before the Chief Magistrate of Colombo today. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has taken steps to appoint a three-member committee to hold discussions with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

The committee comprises UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, UNP General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale, and Presidential Counsel Roland Perera.

The United National Party reiterates its position that all political parties should come together on a common platform to safeguard Sri Lanka’s democratic multiparty system. (Newswire)

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The United National Party has decided to continue working collaboratively with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and other opposition political parties, in line with the consensus reached during initial discussions, UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena said.

According to the former minister, the party also intends to operate through a committee or a similar mechanism to coordinate efforts with the SJB and other opposition groups.

Throughout the recent period, the United National Party has held discussions with opposition parties regarding ways to cooperate on common issues.

The UNP Chairman stated that the party has resolved to implement the points of agreement reached during those discussions in a continuous manner.

Vajira Abeywardena further noted that the party has decided to work openly and jointly with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. (Newswire)

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