Sarath Weerawansa, the brother of former minister Wimal Weerawansa, has been arrested, the Police said.

According to the Police, he was arrested in connection with the incident of abusing vehicles in the State Engineering Corporation.

Sarath Weerawansa was arrested by the Police Finance Crime Investigation Division today (15). (Newswire)

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The case filed against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa and five others over a 2016 protest opposing the visit of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Al Hussein has been fixed for September 21.

Taken up for hearing today (13), the Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva ordered that the further examination of evidence be taken up in September.

The charges stem from a demonstration held on February 6, 2016, when Weerawansa and his group staged a protest in front of the UN office in Colombo, blocking roads including Thummulla. 

The Cinnamon Gardens Police subsequently filed the case, citing public inconvenience caused by the protest.

The accused in the case are former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, Weerakumara Dissanayake, Jayantha Samaraweera, Roger Seneviratne, and Piyasiri Wijenayake.

Court records show that Weerawansa was not present today, with his lawyer submitting a medical report on his behalf.

The case will be recalled on September 21 for further proceedings. (Newswire)

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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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The ‘Satyagraha’ held opposite the Fort Railway Station in support of former State Intelligence Service Director Major General (Rtd) Suresh Sallay was called off today.

Former Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said the decision was taken after the Fort Magistrate’s Court appointed a five-member panel of judicial psychiatrists to determine whether Sallay had been subjected to torture while in detention.

The protest, launched by supporters of the former intelligence chief, had continued for several days despite adverse weather conditions.

According to reports, the panel was appointed following a court order to assess allegations relating to Sallay’s treatment while in custody.

Sallay is currently being held in remand custody as investigations continue. (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 Wimal Weerawansa has been granted bail by the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court.

Weerawansa was arrested this morning after arriving at the Thalangama Police Station to record a statement.

Earlier, Police confirmed that summons were issued to Weerawansa to appear before the Thalangama Police today, after he had failed to appear yesterday, over allegations of obstructing police duties at the National War Memorial in Battaramulla.

On May 18, a tense situation was reported in Battaramulla between the Police and a group led by former MP Wimal Weerawansa after they attempted to enter the National War Memorial during rehearsals for the Victory Day commemoration event.

Following the incident, the Police said legal action will be initiated against the group, including Wimal Weerawansa, for obstructing rehearsal activities and obstructing duties of officials present at the site. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has been arrested after arriving at the Thalangama Police Station to record a statement.

In a post on social media, Weerawansa claimed that he has been arrested by a special Police Team. 

Earlier, the Police confirmed that summons were issued to Weerawansa to appear before the Thalangama Police today, after he had failed to appear yesterday.

It is reported that Weerawansa has appeared to record a statement over allegations of disrupting activities at the National War Memorial in Battaramulla. 

On May 18, a tense situation was reported in Battaramulla between the Police and a group led by former MP Wimal Weerawansa after they attempted to enter the National War Memorial during rehearsals for the Victory Day commemoration event.  

Following the incident, the Police said legal action will be initiated against the group, including Wimal Weerawansa, for obstructing rehearsal activities and interfering with the duties of officials present at the site. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today ordered that further examination of evidence in the case against six accused, including former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, be taken up on July 13. 

The case relates to allegations of causing public inconvenience by obstructing the road during a protest held in front of the United Nations office in Colombo in 2016.

The matter was heard before Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama. Court officials noted that witnesses were not present during today’s proceedings, prompting the adjournment.

The charges stem from a demonstration staged on February 6, 2016, coinciding with the visit of then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Al Hussein. Protesters allegedly blocked the road outside the UN office at Thummulla, Colombo, leading to public disruption.

Kurunduwatta Police filed the case against Weerawansa and five others under provisions of the Road Ordinance and the Police Ordinance.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 13, when further evidence will be examined. (Newswire)

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The commemoration ceremony to honour the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, traditionally held 40 days after death, was held in Colombo on Thursday (09).

The ceremony was held at the Iranian Cultural Centre in Colombo under the patronage of the Ambassador of Iran, Alireza Delkosh. 

Several Sri Lankan dignitaries, including politician Wimal Weerawansa, attended the event. 

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei served as the second supreme leader of Iran from 1989 until his assassination in 2026, which triggered the war between Iran, the USA, and Israel. (Newswire)

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Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa has filed a lawsuit in the Colombo District Court seeking Rs. 1 billion in compensation from National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa and a private television channel. 

According to reports, the case was lodged on March 3, following allegations made against Minister Jayatissa.

The lawsuit stems from a statement made by Weerawansa at a recent public rally, where he claimed that Minister Jayatissa had purchased goods using a credit card belonging to an unregistered pharmaceutical company. 

The allegation was later shared via Weerawansa’s Facebook account and given prominence in the main news broadcast of the private channel on February 7, 2026.

Minister Jayatissa argues that the remarks were defamatory, both directly and indirectly, and have damaged his reputation.

He has requested the court to order the defendants, jointly or separately, to pay the compensation for the defamatory statements. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa says attempts are underway to arrest former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa next.

Weerawansa said that Gotabaya Rajapaksa is to be arrested following the arrest of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay. 

“Their next target is Gotabaya Rajapaksa, using the arrest of Suresh Sallay. This is just nonsense. Will someone like Easter attacks mastermind Zahran Hashim sacrifice his life to make Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is known as a staunch Sinhala Buddhist mas, as the President? What is this nonsense?” Weerawansa questioned.

He further accused the government of appeasing the Tamil diaspora while shielding the real perpetrators of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. 

“Sallay is accused of maintaining links with Zahran. Yes, intelligence officers engage not only with Zahrans and Prabhakarans, but with everyone. Remember, it was the intelligence unit that began monitoring Zahran as soon as information about extremist activity came to light. What is happening now is a major betrayal. This is aimed at appeasing the Tamil diaspora while shielding the real perpetrators of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks,” he alleged. 

Wimal Weerawansa made the remarks while speaking at a media briefing held today (27 Feb) at the National Freedom Front head office under the title “What Did Sallay Do?”. (Newswire)

“They have now decided to arrest Gotabaya Rajapaksa next,” Wimal Weerawansa claims that moves are underway to detain former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa following the arrest of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay. He described the development as a major betrayal and alleged… pic.twitter.com/atvzmq4hGA

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) February 27, 2026

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Former minister Wimal Weerawansa has made a controversial disclosure concerning the death of former politician Nandana Gunathilaka, revealing details of a letter Gunathilaka had shared before his passing. 

Addressing the media at Gunathilaka’s funeral, Weerawansa said the late politician had shown him a letter sent to an international organisation, outlining what action should be taken in relation to it. He added that Gunathilaka had also sent him a WhatsApp message.

Quoting from the letter, Weerawansa said: “The fake, deceitful, anti-democratic conduct and false morality of the internal JVP mechanism were exposed by Rajapaksa Priyanjith Witharana and myself over the past year. Because of this, there is an active plot to kill us, with groups of assassins currently targeting us. We have information on all the individuals involved and the methods planned. The selected course of action is to stab us in broad daylight with a sharp weapon and portray it as the result of a personal dispute, to be validated through the NPP police. Several methods have also been identified to present the death as natural, including poisoning, staging motor accidents, or portraying it as a serious dispute among underworld rivals, particularly an underworld shooting.”

Weerawansa added that, having spent considerable time within the JVP himself, he had no reason to doubt the contents of the letter. (Newswire)

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The Colombo High Court has withdrawn the warrant issued against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa today, following his appearance in court.

The Colombo High Court today issued a warrant ordering the arrest and production before the court of Weerawansa after he failed to appear in court over a case filed on allegations of illegally amassing assets worth more than Rs. 75 million.

Wimal Weerawansa is named as the defendant in the case filed by the Bribery Commission. 

Issuing the warrant previously, Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail also directed that notices be issued to the defendant’s bail guarantors, requiring them to appear before the court on the next date. (Newswire)

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The Colombo High Court has issued a warrant ordering the arrest and production before the court of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa.

The order has been issued after he failed to appear in court in a case filed over allegations of illegally amassing assets worth more than Rs. 75 million.

Wimal Weerawansa is named as the defendant in the case filed by the Bribery Commission. 

Issuing the warrant, Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihail also directed that notices be issued to the defendant’s bail guarantors, requiring them to appear before the court on the next date. (Newswire)

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The satyagraha campaign launched by National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa, together with representatives of civil organizations, has now been concluded.

Following the government’s announcement that the new education reforms related to Grade 6 will be postponed until next year, former minister Wimal Weerawansa ended the satyagraha.

The satyagraha, which began yesterday, was staged demanding the immediate withdrawal of the new education reform process and calling for Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to resign from her post as Minister of Education. (Newswire)

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Thalangama Police requested a court order to remove the satyagraha held in front of the Ministry of Education in Battaramulla against the new education reforms, citing public inconvenience. 

However, Kaduwela Magistrate Aruna Indrajith Buddhadasa rejected the request and instead allowed the satyagraha to continue under several conditions.

National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa, together with representatives of several civil organizations, launched a satyagraha campaign today.

According to the court order, the protest must remain entirely peaceful as required by law. It should not obstruct pedestrians or the general public using the Pelawatta–Pannipitiya road. 

It must also be conducted in a manner that does not hinder students sitting for the Advanced Level examination, teachers engaged in administrative duties, or related groups.

Furthermore, the order specified that transportation and supply activities related to examinations must not be disrupted, nor should access routes be blocked. 

If loud noises occur during the protest, they must not affect examination activities or cause distress to nearby residents. These conditions were laid down for the continuation of the satyagraha. (Newswire)

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National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa, together with representatives of several civil organizations, launched a satyagraha campaign today.

It is reported that the satyagraha has been launched demanding the withdrawal of the new education reforms and calling on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to resign from her post as Minister of Education.

The protest is being held in front of the Isurupaya Ministry of Education. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has called on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to resign from her post as Education Minister, over controversy surrounding references to adult web content in educational material.

Addressing the issue, Weerawansa said such references could encourage curiosity among schoolchildren and lead them to experiment with inappropriate material, posing a serious threat to the country’s future generation.

He alleged that the move amounted to an attempt to undermine the nation’s human capital and questioned whether it could have occurred without awareness at the highest levels.

Weerawansa demanded that the Prime Minister step down immediately, adding that if she fails to do so, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake should remove her from the post.

He further warned that public protests targeting the Ministry of Education would follow if no action is taken. (Newswire)

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An arrest warrant has been issued against former minister Wimal Weerawansa.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court issued the warrant due to his failure to appear in court in connection with a case.

The case pertains to the alleged misuse of 40 government vehicles provided to the National Freedom Front by the Presidential Secretariat, causing a loss of Rs. 9 million to the government. (Newswire)

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The Colombo High Court today (22) scheduled the trial of a case filed by the Bribery Commission against former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, who is accused of unlawfully acquiring assets and funds amounting to approximately Rs. 75 million while serving as a government minister.

The case was called before Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal, who set December 18 and January 20 as the dates for the trial.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General AZad Navavi, appearing on behalf of the Bribery Commission, informed the court that all relevant documents required for the case have already been submitted to the defence.

President’s Counsel Anura Meddegoda, appearing for the defence, requested a date to examine the submitted documents.

The judge then scheduled the trial dates for December and January. 

The case was originally filed during the previous Yahapalana government, alleging that between 2010 and 2015, while serving as a government minister, Wimal Weerawansa acquired assets and funds exceeding his lawful income, thereby committing an offence under the Bribery Act. (Newswire)

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