Former Member of Parliament, President’s Counsel Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, assumed duties as a Senior Vice President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) today.

Rajapakshe was reportedly appointed to the post during the party’s Executive Committee meeting.

Prior to the appointment, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe served as the SLFP District Leader for Colombo and the Maharagama Electorate Organizer. (Newswire)

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Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has rejected former minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s claims that the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) presented to Parliament against suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon was unconstitutional. 

Speaking during a televised interview, Minister Nanayakkara said that former minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has wrongly interpreted several key facts, explaining that the Supreme Court has only issued orders preventing Deshabandu Tennakoon from executing his duties as the IGP.

“The FR before the Supreme Court challenges Tennakoon’s appointment on the grounds that it was unlawful. The Supreme Court in no way has said that he is not the IGP. It has only prevented him from executing his duties in that designation. This ruling has been given as he is considered the IGP. This case is solely on the grounds of unlawful appointment. This defeats Wijeyadasa’s claims that Tennakoon is not the IGP,” he said.

The Justice Minister further explained that, on the other hand, the NCM has been submitted against Deshabandu Tennakoon’s misconduct.

“The FR at the Supreme Court is on Tennakoon’s unlawful appointment, while the NCM is against his conduct. Therefore, this is not considered sub judice. This entire case is different. This again proves that Wijeyadasa’s claim is wrong. Therefore, as the government, what we have done is correct,” he said. 

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said that the NCM is being taken forward based on legal advice. 

His comments came after Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, during a recent media briefing, said the NCM has been submitted at a time when the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has issued an order determining that Deshabandu Tennakoon does not hold the post of IGP. 

“An NCM can be submitted only against someone holding the post of IGP. The Supreme Court has already issued an order determining that Deshabandu Tennakoon was not the IGP. Therefore, the Speaker accepting the NCM is unconstitutional,” he said. 

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe further said that a Supreme Court judge would be required to be appointed to the committee investigating corruption allegations against Deshabandu Tennakoon.

“While the Supreme Court itself has determined that Deshabandu Tennakoon is not the IGP, on the other hand, an investigation will be conducted to remove him from the post. This is an act that does not have any legal backing,” he said, adding that the move undermines both the Parliament and the judiciary.

A resolution to appoint a committee of inquiry for the removal of suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon was handed over to the Speaker of Parliament, Jagath Wickramaratne, on 25 March 2025. 

The resolution was signed by 115 Members of Parliament. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has announced his decision to retire from politics, stating that he will not contest any future elections.

He made this statement while responding to questions from journalists about his political future after visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

When asked whether there was a possibility of returning to Parliament, Dr. Rajapakshe firmly rejected the idea.

He said that he has no desire to be a part of the narrative where it was noted that all 225 members of Parliament are corrupt. (Newswire)

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National Democratic Front’s Presidential candidate Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe says whichever main candidate that wins the election will be disqualified after two or three months.

Addressing the media, the former Justice Minister said that the disqualification will occur due to the candidates having promised public servants salary hikes, which is deemed a bribe.

“All these main candidates have promised state employees salary hikes of Rs. 25,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 10,000. So if gaining voters by distributing rice packs and Buriyani is an offence sufficient to disqualify the Presidency, then promising salary hikes to state employees is a bribe,” he explained. 

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said that therefore, whichever main candidate wins will be disqualified on these grounds due to election violation petitions. 

The National Democratic Front’s Presidential candidate also stated that evidence was being collected on the Presidential candidates and their expenditures, and we have engaged with the officials of the Election Commission in this regard. 

He said the Bribery Commission will also launch necessary probes into the declaration of assets and liabilities of some candidates, which will eventually result in them being imprisoned. (Newswire)

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Several candidates contesting the 2024 Presidential Election have signed nomination papers today. 

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate MP Namal Rajapaksa signed his nomination papers today at former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence in Wijerama, Colombo.

Earlier today, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) candidate and former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe signed his nomination paper at his residence in Nawala amidst religious observances.

The Leader of the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP), entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera also signed his nomination papers at the Mawbima Janatha Party’s office in Borella today. 

Earlier this week, National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake signed his nomination papers at the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Office in Pelawatte. (Newswire)

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Several candidates contesting the 2024 Presidential Election have signed nomination papers this week. 

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) candidate and former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe signed the nomination paper this morning.

The signing took place at his residence in Nawala amidst religious observances.

The Leader of the Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP), entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera also signed his nomination papers to contest the upcoming Presidential Election. 

The signing took place at the Mawbima Janatha Party’s office in Borella today. 

On Monday, National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake signed his nomination papers to contest the upcoming Presidential Election.

The Member of Parliament placed his signature at the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Office in Pelawatte. (Newswire)

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Minister Ali Sabry has taken oaths as the new Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms.

Minister Ali Sabry was sworn in before President Ranil Wickremesinghe today. 

The new ministerial portfolios come in addition to Minister Sabry’s existing portfolio of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Minister takes over the ministerial portfolios that were left vacant following the resignation of former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe recently resigned from his ministerial portfolios of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms due to contesting the upcoming Presidential Election. (Newswire)

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Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has placed his cash deposit to contest the 2024 Presidential Election. 

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who will contest as the candidate of the National Democratic Front, placed his bond at the National Election Commission today. 

With Rajapakshe placing his bond, cash deposits have been made for a total of seven candidates so far, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.  

Officially announcing his candidacy last week, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe also stepped down from his ministerial portfolios of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms in order to contest the election.

Addressing the media at the time, he said under his leadership, measures will be taken to resolve issues in several sectors, focusing on development. 

He further expressed confidence that the National Election Commission will act independently and as per the Constitution concerning the upcoming elections.

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe also revealed that 90% of members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) support his candidacy. (Newswire)

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Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has announced his resignation from the ministerial portfolios of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms in anticipation of Sri Lanka’s Presidential polls. 

Addressing a special media briefing today, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said he has decided to step down from his ministerial portfolios in order to contest the upcoming Presidential Election. 

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said he had resigned today and had informed the relevant authorities in this regard. 

“Upon myself and the President announcing our intentions to contest the elections, issues arose. The main issue was two people from the Cabinet of Ministers contesting for the presidency, even though we were contesting from two different parties. The President sought my opinion on this and I have decided to step down from my ministerial portfolios to contest for the Presidential Election,” he told the media. 

Last week, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe officially announced his candidacy for the 2024 Presidential Election.

At the time, speaking to the media, he said under his leadership, measures will be taken to resolve issues in several sectors, with a focus on development. 

He further expressed confidence that the National Election Commission will act independently and as per the Constitution concerning the upcoming elections.

Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe also revealed that 90% of members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) support his candidacy. (Newswire)

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The government is considering introducing a new law identified as ‘no-fault divorce’, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said.

Addressing Parliament this week, the Justice Minister said the new law will be introduced as the government is planning to completely scrap the current divorce law. 

“The draft bill on the ‘no-fault divorce’ has already been completed. The new Bill will authorize the court to give a ruling on divorce cases without lengthy trials when it is proven that the marriage is broken beyond reestablishment,” he said. 

The Justice Minister also said that legal provisions are being made for the judgements delivered in foreign courts on divorce cases to be accepted in Sri Lankan courts.

He said the new Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgements Bill will allow the acceptance of judgements delivered in foreign courts on divorce cases.

Pointing out that practical issues have arisen in divorce cases due to the failure of serving notices to respondents as the other faction had migrated, he said the recently passed Civil Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill will help resolve the issue. 

Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the said Bill consists of provisions to serve notices to respondents through electronic means, such as Email and WhatsApp. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has officially announced his candidacy for the 2024 Presidential Election.

The Justice Minister made the announcement while addressing a special press conference in Colombo today. 

Speaking to the media, Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said under his leadership, measures will be taken to resolve issues in several sectors, with a focus on development. 

He further expressed confidence that the National Election Commission will act independently and as per the Constitution concerning the upcoming elections. 

The Justice Minister also revealed that 90% of members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) support his candidacy. (Newswire)

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Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has slammed the Police for releasing video footage on the interrogation of a suspect arrested in connection to the recent shooting in Athurugiriya in which businessman ‘Club Wasantha’ was killed. 

Addressing the Parliament today, the Justice Minister said in the video the Police were seen questioning a suspect in public and with access to media. 

Stating that it is a violation of the law, he said under such circumstances, the services of the Police officers involved in such interrogation must be suspended. 

Minister Rajapakshe revealed that the releasing of such vital information to the media amidst ongoing investigations into a case is considered contempt of court.

“Under the current circumstances, I do not believe that the judiciary can grant justice. The Police have already done their hearing on the case for the whole country to see and now they will only have to issue the verdict on the case. The judges have nothing more to do in this case,” he said, slamming the actions of the Police. 

The Justice Minister questioned how crime investigations can be conducted with the involvement of such Police officers and if such interrogations were legal. 

Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe pointed out that the actions of such Police officials affect the trust of the people in the Judicial system. 

The Justice Minister’s comments come after the Police released video footage to the media on the interrogation of the owner of the tattoo studio in Athurugiriya in which the shooting had occurred.

During the public interrogation, the suspect is seen naming a local drug peddler living in Dubai as the mastermind of the attack on businessman ‘Club Wasantha’. (Newswire)

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Regulations for the Justice of the Peace (appointments, suspensions, cancellation and code of conduct) under the Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978 have received the approval of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms.

The approval was granted at the meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms chaired by Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe in Parliament recently (June 18).

The purpose of the said Orders is to promote moral and ethical conduct among justices of the peace to effectively administer justice and eliminate opportunities for corrupt practices. 

At the meeting, Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe pointed out that so far there was no mention of a specific method for appointing Justices of the Peace as well as their qualifications. 

He further said that these orders have been issued due to the absence of a specific system and to remove those persons from the position of Justice of the Peace in case of misuse of that position.

The Justice Minister added that a code of ethics has been introduced to be followed by justices of the peace to protect the dignity of this position and the trust of the people. (Newswire)

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Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has called on the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka to conduct an inquiry into the activities of two judges in the Judicial Services Association of Sri Lanka. 

Issuing a statement, Minister Rajapakshe said the said judges had violated the circular issued by the Chief Justice in 2016 prohibiting judges from communicating with print or electronic media, and via social media. 

The Justice Minister pointed out that the justices had criticised the minister’s recent statement in Parliament concerning corruption among lower court judges.

He said the Judicial Services Association, via a statement, had criticised him for revealing such details in Parliament and for having called for action against such corrupt activities. 

In a letter addressed to Speaker of the House Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, the Justice Minister called for an inquiry to be conducted into the actions of the two justices and to summon them before the Parliamentary Committee on Ethics and Privileges. (Newswire)

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The Judicial Services Association of Sri Lanka has raised concerns over recent statements made in Parliament against the judiciary, stating that it has observed an ongoing effort aimed at discrediting impartial judges.

Issuing a statement, the Association made remarks over the statements against the judiciary made by Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe in Parliament recently.

Addressing the Parliament, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe highlighted corruption in the lower courts of Sri Lanka. 

The Judicial Services Association, which consists of district judges and magistrates, pointed out that such statements could cause conflict between the Executive and Legislature. (Newswire)

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Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has revealed activities of corruption by lower court judges in Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the Parliament on Wednesday, the Justice Minister revealed that electricity had been illegally obtained for the official residence of the Mount Lavinia Magistrate. 

“It was found a few days ago that the electricity supply provided for the court premises had been tampered with and an illegal power line had been drawn to the residence of the Mount Lavinia Magistrate,” he said. 

The minister said a power leak at the magistrate’s residence had been inspected during which the the Justice Ministry electrician had been electrocuted but had been saved with great effort. 

“This has been done to include the electricity bill of the magistrate’s residence to that of the courts,” he said, adding that this incident had led to finding out that the water supply had also been illegally obtained to the Magistrate’s residence. 

He also revealed that a complaint had been received claiming that whiskey worth Rs. 200 million had gone missing from the court-seized goods at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and the incident had occurred while a former justice was at the premises. 

Minister Rajapakshe said as per the complaint it was claimed that the goods had been stolen. 

“However, the Government Analyst’s report revealed that the goods had not been stolen, but someone had entered the room containing the goods, using a key,” he said. 

The Justice Minister went on to note that the Judicial Services Commission does not conduct proper investigations into such incidents and also fails to initiate legal action. 

Stating that his own attempts to address the issues remain futile, Minister WIjeyadasa Rajapakshe said such corrupt activities must stop. (Newswire)

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The Colombo District Court has refused to issue an interim order preventing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Executive Committee from convening today. 

The meeting was reportedly scheduled for today under the patronage of the Acting Chairman of the SLFP, Nimal Siripala de Silva. 

The court order was issued after taking up for consideration a petition submitted by SLFP electoral organizer Hector Bethmage against the scheduled SLFP Executive Committee meeting. 

Only issuing notices to the defendants in the petition, the court further decided to fix the case for hearing again on July 03. 

Meanwhile, the SLFP Executive Committee which met today unanimously elected Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva as the Chairman of the party. 

MP Duminda Dissanayake was also unanimously elected as the General Secretary of the SLFP. 

Since April this year, the SLFP has faced a crisis after the faction led by former president and chairman Maithripala Sirisena clashed with the other faction led by former SLFP leader and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

A court order was issued preventing former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as the SLFP Leader, leading to the clash between the factions. 

Since then, SLFP members Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Nimal Siripala de Silva have been appointed by the respective factions to lead the party.

However, court cases have also been filed against one another preventing them from functioning in their elected roles. (Newswire)

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Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has no legal barriers to function as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), according to a communique issued by his team.

Earlier today, an enjoining order that was issued against Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, preventing him from functioning as the SLFP Acting Chairman, was extended by the Colombo District Court.

The Rajapakshe faction asserts that the case is now void as former President Maithripala Sirisena resigned as the Chairman of the Party, with Wijedasa Rajapakshe being unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Party.

The Rajapakshe faction clarified that the case was filed against Rajapakshe functioning as the SLFP Acting Chairman, but was now void as he currently serves as the Chairman of the SLFP.

The Colombo District Court today extended until June 27 the enjoining order against Rajapakshe after the petition filed by SLFP member MP Duminda Dissanayake was taken up for consideration.

The SLFP has faced a crisis after the faction led by former president and chairman Maithripala Sirisena clashed with the other faction led by former SLFP leader and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

The party saw the appointment of Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Nimal Siripala de Silva as Acting Chairmen by their respective factions, following a court order that prevented former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as the SLFP Leader.

Several court orders were issued, thereafter, preventing the newly appointed Chairman Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe from functioning as the SLFP Acting Chairman.

However, following the resignation of Maithripala Sirisena from the post of SLFP Chairman, the Executive Committee unanimously voted to appoint Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the new Chairman of the party, in which role capacity he currently functions. (Newswire)

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An enjoining order was issued against the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Justice Minister Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and acting General Secretary Keerthi Udawatte, preventing them from functioning in their positions in the party.

Colombo District Court Judge Sandhun Vithana issued the enjoining order against Rajapakshe and Udawatte today after taking up for consideration a petition filed by MP Duminda Dissanayake against the two SLFP members.

The move comes after the court had previously (May 16) dismissed the petition filed by Duminda Dissanayake, who was appointed Acting General Secretary of the SLFP.

Dissanayake had sought a court order preventing any obstruction being made towards him, and the Acting Chairman of the SLFP, Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva from engaging in party activities.

However, last week, an enjoining order was also issued by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court preventing all factions from disrupting the newly elected Chairman Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Acting General Secretary Keerthi Udawatte, and the politburo of the SLFP from functioning in their respective roles.

The SLFP has faced a crisis after the faction led by former president and chairman Maithripala Sirisena clashed with the other faction led by former SLFP leader and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

The party saw the appointment of Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Nimal Siripala de Silva as Acting Chairmen by their respective factions, following a court order that prevented former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as the SLFP Leader.

Several court orders were issued, thereafter, preventing the newly appointed Chairman Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe from functioning as the SLFP Acting Chairman.

However, following the resignation of Maithripala Sirisena from the post of SLFP Chairman, the Executive Committee unanimously voted to appoint Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the new Chairman and Attorney-at-Law Keerthi Udawatte as Acting General Secretary of the party. (Newswire)

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An enjoining order has been issued preventing all factions from disrupting the newly elected Chairman and Politburo of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) from functioning in their respective roles.

The Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court today issued the enjoining order regarding the operations of the newly elected SLFP Chairman, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Acting General Secretary Keerthi Udawatte, and the politburo of the SLFP.

The court issued the order today after taking up for consideration the petition that was filed by SLFP Politburo members Isuru Abeywardena and Sumith Wijeyamuna, naming 20 other Politburo members as respondents. 

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party faced a crisis after the faction led by former president and SLF chairman Maithripala Sirisena clashed with the other faction led by former SLFP leader and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

The party saw the appointment of Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Nimal Siripala de Silva as Acting Chairmen by their respective factions, following a court order that prevented former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as the SLFP Leader.

Several court orders were issued, thereafter, preventing the newly appointed Chairman Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe from functioning as the SLFP Acting Chairman.

However, on Sunday, Maithripala Sirisena resigned from the post of SFP Chairman and the Executive Committee unanimously voted to appoint Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the new Chairman of the SLFP. 

Attorney-at-Law Keerthi Udawatte was appointed Acting General Secretary of the SLFP faction led by Maithripala Sirisena. 

Following the new appointments, the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court has issued an order preventing all factions from disrupting the newly elected Chairman Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Politburo from functioning in their respective roles in the SLFP. (Newswire)

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