President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his Government last week passed a key milestone with the presentation of the much-awaited and decisive Budget for 2025. 

The 2025 Budget sets the course for the country for this year, while also indicating that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Government has decided to proceed with the economic recovery path set by the previous Ranil Wickremesinghe Government without causing disruptions to the ongoing programme, while also including the JVP/NPP’s welfare measures to the public. 

As pointed out by senior JVP/NPP member Minister K.D. Lalkantha, the 2025 Budget is not a neoliberal one as claimed by members of the Opposition, but instead paves the way for economic democracy.

On the day of the 2025 Budget presentation, President AKD arrived in Parliament at around 10.20 a.m. with the aim of commencing the speech at 10.30 a.m. The presentation that lasted over two-and-a-half hours concluded at 1.18 p.m. AKD walked into the Chamber carrying the Budget proposals in a rush and reed file indicating the focus of his Budget presentation, doing away with the traditional briefcase that had been used to carry the proposals.

AKD’s Budget was one filled with optimism and nationalistic fervour that he described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to push Sri Lanka into a new era of prosperity,” while calling on all Sri Lankans – at home and abroad – to contribute to and unite for the country’s transformation.

What the Government has termed as a “pro-people” budget, packed with relief whilst incentivising the private sector and continuing the reforms process in line with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, gathered criticism from Opposition parties as being an extension of Wickremesinghe policies, with some even stating that Wickremesinghe seemed to have penned AKD’s 2025 Budget.

Criticism was also directed at Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, who had also played a key role in the budgets presented by former President Wickremesinghe. However, AKD took time to show special appreciation of Siriwardana’s hard work in finalising the 2025 Budget.

Be that as it may, the 2025 Budget saw some touching moments during its delivery by AKD. One such instance was when the President spoke of his past as a youth growing up in Thambuttegama near Anuradhapura. 

Referring to the proposal to develop the Thambuttegama Railway Station to ease the transportation of agricultural goods to the markets, President AKD said that the railway station held a special place in his life since the address to his residence at the time had been ‘Colamba desata thani signal kanuwa asala’ (near the single signal post towards Colombo). AKD’s humble roots, which he wears with pride, indicates sensitivity to the difficulties faced by the masses.

President AKD also reached out to the people of the Northern Province through the 2025 Budget. In fact, he paid special attention to a sensitive point for the Tamils in the north – the burning of the Jaffna Public Library in the 1980s. Referring to the great national tragedy of burning down the library, AKD allocated millions of rupees to further develop the library. 

When the Jaffna Public Library was burnt down, Muslim poet M.A. Nuhman wrote a poem on the incident titled ‘Killing the Buddha,’ which was translated into Sinhala by Nilar N. Cassim. Therefore, AKD’s 2025 Budget proposal to further develop the Jaffna Library has been viewed as justice for the arson attack on the library, more than 40 years later.

AKD also used the 2025 Budget to reiterate the Government’s stance against corruption. “I can assure you that no elected or appointed official in this Government will seek bribes or favours in return for doing or not doing their jobs. However, in the very unlikely event that anyone among us does bend or break the law, I can promise that whoever is responsible will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. 

“This Government will never, ever tolerate corruption among its ranks. Henceforth, those who attempt to receive bribes should be afraid. One should not be afraid of not paying bribes,” AKD claimed.

However, Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa noted during the second reading debate on the Budget that while 75 countries had so far undergone IMF programmes through debt restructuring programmes, around 59% of these countries had been compelled to resort to second, third, and even fourth debt restructuring programmes before getting their economies back on track. Only 41% of the countries have so far managed to get their economies back on track through an IMF programme and debt restructuring. 

Premadasa further noted that Sri Lanka was still outside the debt sustainability curve while other countries that had also carried out debt restructuring programmes were currently featured in the curve.

Budget comments

Opposition Leader Premadasa also noted soon after the 2025 Budget presentation that the Budget speech should be compared with the policies presented on the Presidential Election stage, which promised a prosperous country and a beautiful life. 

He pointed out that while the policies presented under the ‘Rata Anurata’ concept had pledged to create a stable economy, the reality showed that it was instead a case of ‘Rata IMF ekata’ (the country has been handed over to the IMF).

While admitting that the SJB would also have had to align the budget with the IMF programme, Premadasa noted that his party would have kept its promise to the people and renegotiated the conditions that were not favourable to the masses.

As per the 2025 Budget, Rs. 4,990 billion has been allocated for total revenue and grants and Rs. 7,190 billion for total expenditure, while the Budget deficit is Rs. 2,200 billion. 

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ravi Karunanayake noted that the 2025 Budget was aimed at building fiscal discipline. He noted that it was “good news” that the incumbent JVP/NPP Government was continuing on the economic recovery path outlined by the previous Government.

Nevertheless, there has also been confusion over the proposed salary increment for the public sector in the Budget, with the Opposition claiming that the actual increment this year is not the amount announced by the President.

However, JVP/NPP MP Kaushalya Ariyarathne has noted in a statement on social media that the Government’s allocation to key areas alone highlights the fact that its priorities were not neoliberal in nature.

Ariyarathne highlighted the following Budget allocations: inclusive social security system – Rs. 749 billion; education – Rs. 619 billion; health – Rs. 604 billion; and public transport – Rs. 483 billion.

“These priorities speak for themselves. Of course, this can improve next year. Our focus is on people’s welfare, public services, and social equity, a clear reflection of our policy direction,” she added.

International overview

Meanwhile, Moody’s Ratings said on Tuesday (18) that the budgeted expenditure for 2025 would likely lead to a wider fiscal deficit and slower-than-expected fiscal consolidation. 

Expenditure is estimated at 21.8% of GDP as Sri Lanka directs more resources towards welfare and infrastructure development, analysts note, while revenue will be 15.1% of GDP. The Budget has set a deficit target of 6.7% of GDP, which falls short of a 5.2% goal for 2025 preferred by the IMF.

“The Budget underscores the challenge that Sri Lanka’s fiscal authorities will continue to face because of its still weak debt affordability, still narrow revenue base, and underlying social constraints,” said Moody’s Ratings Vice President and Senior Analyst Christian Fang.

Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) Global Research meanwhile has said that Sri Lanka’s 2025 Budget is positive, despite the presence of several challenges.

“The 2025 Budget, the new Government’s first since winning the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in 2024, was in line with market expectations: the focus is on continued fiscal austerity while at the same time public investment spending has been increased. The Budget broadly sticks to IMF fiscal targets; that said, revenue growth targets appear somewhat ambitious to us. High interest costs remain a drag,” the report said.

IMF review

The Executive Committee of the IMF meanwhile is to meet on Friday (28) to decide on the pending third tranche of $ 333 million to Sri Lanka under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

The third tranche disbursement was scheduled to take place in October 2024, but was deferred due to the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections that were to be held in September and November 2024, respectively.

Informed sources said that Sri Lanka would receive the third tranche of the IMF’s EFF since the previous Wickremesinghe Government had completed requirements that needed to be met to receive the green light for the disbursement of $ 333 million. It was held back until the 2025 Budget was presented by the new Government.

It is however learnt that the next IMF review will be carried out shortly along with the policies presented by the JVP/NPP Government in its maiden Budget. Therefore, the disbursement of the fourth tranche will be the one linked to the policies of the JVP/NPP to achieve the IMF programme’s targets.

AKD’s swipe at Harsha

Meanwhile, SJB MP Harsha de Silva received an interesting response from President AKD when he (de Silva) had said there was a question about a proposal presented by the President.

Turning to de Silva, AKD smiled and said: “I can’t give you what you want, Harsha. How can I give you the Colombo District leadership? You will have to ask for that from the Opposition Leader.” The House started to laugh at the President’s swipe. 

However, responding to media queries later about the 2025 Budget, de Silva said that the Budget speech was a continuation of the previous Government’s economic programme and that while he did not say that the programme was wrong, it raised serious concerns about the Government’s ideological stance.

“The JVP and NPP will have ideological questions to answer. What was discussed here was a neoliberal programme. If they opposed such policies for 40 years but now accept them, what was the purpose of their past opposition?” he questioned.

“We saw no difference between this Budget and the previous one,” de Silva added.

However, opening the second reading debate on the 2025 Budget, de Silva referred to AKD’s swipe at him while delivering the Budget speech. 

“The President gave me a shot while presenting the Budget. But that’s okay since he is a friend,” the SJB MP said, adding that the President was not in a position to give him (de Silva) what he wanted since he (the President) could not even give what the people wanted from the JVP/NPP Government. 

Sajith’s meeting

Meanwhile, prior to the 2025 Budget presentation, Premadasa had convened a meeting of all Opposition party leaders. 

The meeting took place at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Parliament and was attended by some members of the Opposition. It is learnt that the discussion had been focused on the country’s economic situation at present, the burdens faced by the people, and the next course of action that needed to be taken.

Disgruntled MPs

Meanwhile, it is learnt that some MPs on the Government side are finding it difficult to continue with the strict policies and directives set for them. The many curtailments of perks and privileges given to previous MPs have posed a problem to some JVP/NPP MPs.

Apart from the allocation of a free weapon and training to MPs, each MP is entitled to a Rs. 54,285 monthly salary; Rs. 2,500 for each day of House sessions attended by an MP; Rs. 2,500 for each committee meeting; a Rs. 100,000 payment to maintain an office; medical facilities at the Parliament Medical Centre; and a Rs. 1 million medical coverage for treatment at a private hospital.

After serving five years continuously in Parliament, a former MP is entitled to a pension and 263 former MPs are currently receiving pension payments.

One of the key perks enjoyed by former MPs was the duty-free vehicle permit that enabled them to either purchase a new vehicle or sell the permit.

However, with most of these perks now having been done away with, some among the new JVP/NPP MPs are claiming that although they are prepared for sacrifices, the situation is now becoming unbearable.

Anatomy of a crime

Be that as it may, the debate on President AKD’s and the new Government’s Budget was overshadowed last week by the shooting that took place inside a courtroom in the Colombo Magistrate’s Court complex last Wednesday (19), resembling a scene from a Hollywood crime thriller, that resulted in the death of underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne alias Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

The shooting took place in Hulftsdorp while elections were ongoing for the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL). It is for this reason that lawyers in the courtrooms at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court had initially thought it was fireworks related to the BASL election when they heard the shooting in the adjoining courtroom.

Sanjeewa, who was a suspect in 19 murder cases, was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) upon his return from Nepal on 13 September 2023. He was moved to the Boossa Prison in June last year on the orders of the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court and was brought to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court for court proceedings on the day of his murder.

Sanjeewa’s shooting and killing took place in Courtroom No. 5 of the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by an assassin posing as a lawyer. One of the key questions posed with regard to Sanjeewa’s murder is why he was taken to court No. 5 when he was brought to attend a case in court No. 9. 

Since the magistrate in court No. 9 was on leave, the relevant case was not taken up and the jailors had decided to take Sanjeewa to court No. 5 where another case in which he had been listed was being taken up. However, it is learnt that Sanjeewa was not required to be present in court No. 5 that day and investigators are currently looking at why he was taken to court No. 5 where the shooting took place.

The assassin had been assisted by a woman posing as a lady lawyer. While the assassin had walked into the court premises carrying only a file, it was the female accomplice who had carried the weapon into the premises inside a ‘Criminal Procedure’ book. The book was later found by the investigators in a court washroom.

The assassin was seen on CCTV footage walking into the court premises carrying just a file while his accomplice who had walked into the premises posing as a lady lawyer had walked out of the premises before the shooting. After shooting Sanjeewa at close range, the assassin had walked out of the courtroom amidst the commotion, saying there had been a shooting in the courtroom, in order to make his way out of the premises.

The suspect assassin, who was first identified as 34-year-old Mohamed Azam Sherifdeen, was later identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga Kandanaarachchi (27 years) from Maharagama. The suspect’s Law ID, which was used to enter the court premises, had identified him as Kodikarage Kasun Prabath Nissanka.

Initial investigations had found that the suspect assassin had joined the Army’s 3rd Commando Regiment on the date 19-12-12 (as stated in Parliament by Public Security Minister Wijepala) as soldier No. 559189 and had been granted amnesty from the Army in May 2024.

Arrests

Meanwhile, a report submitted to the Public Security Minister by the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) has noted that investigations into the murder are being carried out through close coordination between the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Special Task Force (STF), and Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The report notes that the suspect assassin, Kandanaarachchi, was arrested on Wednesday by the STF in Palaviya in Puttalam at around 4.30 p.m. Upon inspection, the STF had also found a foreign-made green hand grenade.

The driver of the van bearing number NW PA 5293 used by the suspect to flee towards Puttalam – one Mahesh Sampath Priyadarshana (47 years) – was also taken into custody. The van has also been taken into custody as court production.

A search carried out on the van had resulted in the investigators retrieving a bill bearing number PF 7824 and a probe was initiated to determine the ownership of the vehicle. An inquiry into the engine number and chassis number of the van has revealed that the real number plate of the vehicle was PF 7824 and that the number plates displayed on the van at the time it was taken into custody were fake.

The suspect assassin had told the Police that he had discarded the clothes he had worn during the assassination on Ridiwella Road in Kochchikade and the investigators have found the bag with the clothes following the statement.

A Police constable was also arrested on Thursday (20) for aiding the assassins. The constable – Lahiru Prasanna Athugala bearing Police badge number 102216 – is said to be a trainee Police Constable (PC) assigned to court duty under the Negombo Police Crimes Unit and was arrested by the CCD. He is a 25-year-old resident of Padeniya. Investigations have uncovered that this Police officer had engaged in a phone conversation with the said woman, Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi and had associated with her before and after the crime.

The Acting IGP’s report has also noted that the Police has further inspected a resthouse in the Kaduwela area where the suspect assassin and the female accomplice had stayed prior to carrying out the crime. 

It had been uncovered that the two suspects had arrived at the scene of the crime (the courthouse) from Kaduwela in a Honda Fit vehicle bearing number WP CAC 8811 and the vehicle has been taken into Police custody. Further investigations are being carried out to determine the ownership of the vehicle. 

It has also been recorded that an individual who had arrived in the Honda Fit vehicle in question had met with the suspect assassin and his female accomplice at the resthouse and handed over a parcel to them. 

The suspect assassin had told the Police that this parcel had contained the weapon for the shooting and the lawyers’ clothing for him and the female accomplice. The assassin had also claimed that the murder had been carried out as a Rs. 15 million contract and that he had visited the courthouse several times before carrying out the shooting. Some media reports also stated that the contract had been issued by a close associate of Kehelbaddara Padme in Dubai.

Seeking assistance

Police meanwhile on Thursday (20) sought public assistance to locate Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi, aged 25 years with National Identity Card number 995892480V bearing the address 243/1, Negombo Road, Jaya Mawatha, Katuwellegama. She is believed to be the female accomplice of the assassin in Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder.

Those arrested so far have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended for further investigations while the Defence Ministry has approved 90-day detention orders and the investigators are continuing to draw the lines to join the three elements required to complete a crime – motive, instrumentality, and opportunity.

The Acting IGP told the media yesterday (22) that an intelligence report had been received of an attempt to shoot Sanjeewa at the Gampaha Court last week, but that it had not taken place although the Police had prepared for it.

The escape route

The report submitted to the Public Security Ministry by the Acting IGP has also noted the escape route taken by the suspect assassin after shooting Sanjeewa.

While the female accomplice had left the court premises prior to the shooting incident, the suspect assassin had left the Hulftsdorp area in a hired three-wheeler. He had proceeded to the Kadolkele Junction where he had gotten into a blue three-wheeler and stopped at the Ridiwella Road in Kochchikade. 

The suspect had discarded the clothes he had been wearing during the shooting at this place and the female accomplice had joined him there after arriving in another three-wheeler. The suspect assassin had then travelled in the van towards Puttalam, where he was taken into custody.

Mistaken identity

However, the arrest of the suspect assassin and the release of his name by the Police have now resulted in a case of mistaken identity.

A motion was filed with the Colombo Magistrate’s Court last week stating that the name of the main suspect arrested in connection with Sanjeewa’s murder was wrongfully made public as Mohamed Azam Sherifdeen, causing discredit to an individual bearing that same name and his family members. This motion was filed by a brother of an individual with the actual name of Mohamed Azam Sherifdeen, who was said to be aggrieved as a result of the incident. 

Attorney-at-Law Dasun Perera, who had presented evidence before the court regarding the motion, had reportedly stated that the name of the suspect arrested by the Police in connection with Sanjeewa’s murder was in fact not Mohamed Azam Sherifdeen. 

He had further emphasised that the person named Mohamed Azam Sherifdeen and the arrested suspect were two separate individuals and had explained that this misidentification had caused significant legal and social problems for Sherifdeen’s family and hence had requested the court to issue an appropriate order to rectify the situation. 

After considering the facts presented, Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali had informed the lawyers to submit the request once the suspect involved in Sanjeewa’s murder was officially produced before court, as he was yet to be produced to the court.

Police Media Spokesperson, Senior Superintendent of Police Buddhika Manatunga stated on Wednesday that the suspect had appeared under several different names, including Mohamed Azam Sherifdeen, at various instances.

BASL denial

The BASL meanwhile stated that the Law ID carried by the suspect involved in Sanjeewa’s murder inside the court complex was fake.

Issuing a statement, the BASL said the Law ID seized by the Police following the shooting incident had been examined by its representatives and it had been found that the individual named in the Law ID was not a member of the BASL and that the ID had been made using a fake registration number, Supreme Court number, and QR code. It was reported that the QR code was directed to a Covid-19 vaccination certificate while the Supreme Court number was Sanjeewa’s prison number.

The BASL Secretary’s signature had also been placed in a different location on the seized Law ID.

Releasing remains

Meanwhile, Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s remains were subjected to a post-mortem on Thursday (20) at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s (JMO) Office by Assistant JMO Dulanga Balalla.

Afterwards, the remains were handed over to Sanjeewa’s mother, Allen Nona Mendis from Makalanmulla, Ganemulla.

Kajja’s revelations

Meanwhile, the Police is also in the process of probing the murder of Aruna Vidanagamage alias Kajja, who is said to have enjoyed close ties with the Rajapaksa family, in the Middeniya area the night before Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s murder in a courtroom. Kajja’s two young children who were travelling with him at the time were also killed in the incident.

The Police said that a group of unidentified individuals had opened fire at a 39-year-old resident of Galpotta who was travelling on a motorcycle with his son and daughter at around 10.15 p.m. on Tuesday (18). Kajja had been killed on the spot while his son and daughter were admitted to the District General Hospital, Embilipitiya, and the Tangalle Base Hospital, respectively, with critical injuries.

Kajja’s killing however has raised concerns over the killing of individuals who had made powerful revelations.

The Police have so far made several arrests related to the Middeniya shooting incident and a policeman is also said to be among those arrested. Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala stated in Parliament that a special probe would be conducted into Kajja’s murder to see if there were any political connections since the victim had made many revelations about his connections to politicians.

Political affiliations

The recent spate of murders, apart from being affiliated to organised crime, have also been connected to politicians and attempts to eliminate evidence and witnesses in some cases, according to Watagala. Speaking in Parliament, Watagala pointed out that there had been political connections to key high-profile murders and moves to destroy evidence by the culprits.

However, political affiliations in organised crime or the underworld have been witnessed since the 1980s to date. There have been various leading names of gang leaders affiliated with political leaders in the past. Some of the well-known names are Gonawala Sunil in the 1980s, followed by Soththi Upali in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The new People’s Alliance (PA) Government and later the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) that took over after the 17-year United National Party (UNP) rule saw names like Baddegana Sanjeewa, Wambotta, and Julampitiye Amare taking the lead. 

When it comes to Julampitiye Amare, one of the key incidents was when then Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) had to intervene to quell the prison riot at the Tangalle Prison in July 2002 led by Amare. “Amare, I am here. Come out without any fear,” MR had told Amare in order to get him to discuss the demands of the rioting prisoners and to get the prison officers held hostage released.

It is therefore evident that many leaders of organised crime have operated with the support of powerful politicians.

Wimal back in limelight

Meanwhile, the shooting inside the courtroom resulted in Opposition politicians questioning the state of national security.

Former MP Wimal Weerawansa, who has maintained a low profile until now, seems to have made a comeback on the political stage and this time around took several swipes at President AKD, his Government, and Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara.

Weerawansa slammed Jayasekara, who had said he would give tuition on national security during the election campaign, questioning how successful the tuition lessons had been.

Weerawansa also claimed that the Deputy Minister when in the military had returned to Colombo after sustaining a wound on a finger and had remained in Colombo until the end of the war. He charged that President AKD’s Government was filled with such big-talkers.

No threat

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said that the shooting incident inside the Hulftsdorp courtroom did not constitute any sort of threat to national security but was instead linked to long-standing conflicts between organised criminal gangs.

Wijepala stated: “These organised crime conflicts have existed for a long time. Media houses have been torched under various governments and journalists have been murdered on the streets. Not only that, numerous murders have taken place, some of which remain unsolved for over 10-15 years. 

“However, as soon as this incident occurred, we promptly arrested the main suspect. We will also conduct investigations into past incidents. Our findings indicate that the suspect arrested on Wednesday was involved in several other murders committed in the past two weeks. 

“As soon as these crimes occur, we take immediate steps to arrest the suspects after conducting separate investigations. So, as a Government, we believe that isolated incidents like this should not be considered threats to national security. Overall, we have ensured national security, and we can firmly certify that.”

Referring to last Wednesday’s courtroom shooting, Premadasa said that currently there were serious concerns about the security of civilians, judges, parliamentarians, and media personnel. 

“In the recent past, judges have been informed in writing that their protection will be removed. The protection provided for certain journalists as per court orders has also been removed. More attention should be given to the safety of the general public, judges, MPs, and those working in the media sector. We request you (the Speaker of Parliament) to look into the matter of security for MPs and to take necessary steps,” he said.

Responding to Premadasa, Wijepala said that they (the Government) expressed their regret over the incident that took place on Wednesday. “In recent days, several clashes between criminal gangs have been reported. The Government has taken Wednesday’s incident very seriously. The suspect responsible for the shooting was arrested within a few hours, and investigations are ongoing regarding a suspicious female.” 

“These incidents are conflicts between organised crime gangs and have been occurring for a long time. One or two isolated events should not be seen as a threat to national security. Overall, security has been ensured, and we assure the public of this,” the Minister added.

More shootings

Since Sanjeewa’s murder on Wednesday, around five murders due to shootings have taken place until yesterday (22).

The Police yesterday stated that so far this year, there have been 22 killings of which 17 had been shooting incidents and five involving hacking. Among those arrested in connection with the murders, there are two Police, one Army, and one Air Force personnel.

Armed protection

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara meanwhile stated that following the shooting inside a courtroom, steps would be taken to deploy armed guards inside the courts when special accused or witnesses were produced before courts.

He told Parliament that steps would be taken to deploy armed guards inside courts in special circumstances when special prisoners were produced before courts, following a discussion with the Judicial Service Commission, Police, and Prisons Department.

Nanayakkara on Wednesday stated that legislation would also be introduced soon to enable the recording of evidence online.

President speaks

Meanwhile, President AKD also arrived in Parliament last Thursday (20) to attend the Consultative Committee meeting of the Defence Ministry.

The President noted that investigations had disclosed that organised crime activities had infiltrated certain individuals within public security-related official institutions. He further stated that all necessary measures would be taken to completely eradicate organised crime in the future, while also acknowledging that this process would take some time.

Gearing for LG Polls

However, amidst the 2025 Budget process and the courtroom shooting, focus was also diverted towards the holding of the Local Government (LG) Elections, with the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill being passed in Parliament with a special majority, without amendments.

The second reading debate on the bill was held last Monday (17) from 2-7 p.m. after President AKD’s 2025 Budget presentation. Thereafter, 187 votes were cast in favour of the bill.

Opposition MPs Ravi Karunanayake, Nizam Kariapper, M.S. Uthumalebbe, Ramanathan Archchuna, K.S. Kugathasan, Ismail Muthu Mohamed, and several others had voted with the Government MPs.

However, members of the Opposition including SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara and several others noted that the LG Elections should be delayed since it should not clash with the ongoing parliamentary debate on the 2025 Budget and the upcoming GCE Ordinary Level Examination and because the ongoing Budget debate would make it difficult for Opposition MPs to look into LG Election campaigns.

Madduma Bandara also claimed that Opposition parties needed to get the deposit monies that were paid for nominations for LG Elections in 2023. He noted in a lighter vein that the Opposition parties didn’t have monies like the JVP.

Nalinda’s response

Chief Government Whip, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, responding to the statements made by the Opposition about the need for the monies that were paid as deposit for nominations handed over in 2023 for the LG Elections and to the call to delay the LG Elections since party leaders were unable to attend to election work due to the ongoing Budget debate, noted that no Opposition party should fall to the level of Sri Lanka’s parliamentary Opposition where the parties were now looking at getting monies from the JVP. Everyone in the Chamber laughed at this statement.

Thereafter, everyone was left roaring in laughter when Jayatissa said that he did not agree with the statement that Opposition MPs would not be able to prepare nomination lists and engage in campaign work during the Budget debate since not everyone was present in the House on a daily basis during the ongoing debate.

The Minister said: “We all know that most MPs are not in the House on a daily basis. They may be leaving their homes saying they are attending Parliament sessions, but most are not here. We will in the future give a report to the homes of all MPs, especially their wives, on parliamentary attendance of their spouses. Then we will know the truth.” 

Everyone laughed at this statement, especially when Jayatissa told several Opposition MPs that their details would not be shared with the spouses.

EC meeting

Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) met on Tuesday (18) to discuss the holding of the LG Elections.

Opposition parties also visited the EC that day to request it to delay the holding of the elections.

Opposition Leader Premadasa requested the Election Commission to commence the LG Election process after the final vote on the 2025 Budget, which is scheduled for 21 March. He emphasised that the 66 parliamentarians representing the Opposition and various parties were committed to fulfilling their legislative duties during the Budget process.

“We presented to the Election Commission the matter of initiating the elections-related process after 21 March,” Premadasa said. 

“Some say that the O/L Examination will be held, which is true. Others point to the parliamentary debate on the Budget, and there will also be concerns about the Vesak festival. If we are to consider all these factors, we will not be able to hold the LG Elections at all this year. Instead, we will consider the concerns of all parties to the fullest extent possible and set a date accordingly,” Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said.

Returning deposits

Meanwhile, the Election Commission last week asked nominees for the LG Elections to apply in writing for refunds of their deposits before Friday (28) to the district election office.

The commission issued a statement noting that nominees who had placed deposits for the LG Elections in 2023 could receive their deposits by submitting the deposit receipts to their relevant district election offices.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has issued a gazette notification confirming that the term of members of 337 LG bodies will commence on 2 June 2025, but the Election Commission is yet to announce dates for nominations and elections for the LG bodies.

Meetings with India

Amidst the ongoing political developments, the JVP/NPP Government continues to face the pressures of handling geopolitical sensitivities, especially with neighbouring India, after India’s Adani Green Energy decided to move out of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector. 

Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody met with Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha recently. Both Jayakody and Jha had discussed Sri Lanka’s energy industry developments and the cooperation that could take place between Sri Lanka and India.

President AKD in his Budget speech took a swipe at the Adani project without naming the company, saying that a local company has undertaken a 50 MW wind power project at a tariff of approximately 4 USD cents while a foreign company had sought a tariff of over 8 USD cents, which he called unreasonable. 

Adani has stated that its exit from Sri Lanka was a loss for Sri Lanka while the latter has maintained that there are other investors who have expressed interest in setting up a renewable energy plant in Mannar.

Sampur project to start

However, the AKD Government seems to have taken steps to expedite another Indian Government-funded renewable energy project in the Eastern Province.

President AKD on Wednesday (19) addressing a post-Budget forum at the Cinnamon Life hotel said that the 120 MW Sampur solar power project would commence this April.

Tilvin meets Santosh 

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva, who plays a decisive role in the JVP/NPP Government from behind the scenes, also met with High Commissioner Jha recently. The meeting took place at the High Commissioner’s official residence in Colombo.

It is interesting that all other foreign envoys in Sri Lanka had met with the JVP General Secretary at the Party Headquarters in Pelawatte, while the meeting between the Indian High Commissioner and Silva had taken place at India House.

Tilvin’s role

However, there is a growing discourse developing among Opposition politicians about the role played by JVP General Secretary Silva.

This chatter saw an increase following a recent train ride undertaken by Silva on the Ella Odyssey from Kandy. While getting down from a Defender vehicle, Silva was given a salute by a senior Police officer. The station master also made his way to the entrance of the station to welcome Silva. 

There were questions posed on social media along with video clips of Silva’s arrival at the train station as to why a senior Police officer was saluting him since he was not even an MP, a minister, or a Government official.

Meeting Modi

Meanwhile, former President Wickremesinghe is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week during his visit to India.

Wickremesinghe is to leave for India on Friday (28) until 2 March to attend an event in New Delhi. Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott are also expected to attend this event. 

Rohini’s revelation

Meanwhile, Matale District SJB MP Rohini Wijeratne Kavirathna recently reported that a group of JVP members, including former Yatawatta Local Councillor W.G. Manjula Prasad Samaraweera, had threatened a local resident named Amal Rathnayake at his home in Yatawatta, Matale. 

Kavirathna noted that the threat had lasted for 22 minutes and a video of the incident had been widely shared publicly through social media platforms.

The SJB MP further pointed out that citizens had the right to free expression through social media and condemned attempts to suppress Opposition activities, especially in the lead-up to the LG Elections.

Many members of the Opposition in Parliament also raised concerns over Kavirathna’s revelation about the alleged intimidation of people by members of the JVP/NPP. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa also raised concerns in Parliament over incidents of the JVP/NPP threatening citizens in various areas.

Apart from Matale, he noted that similar incidents had been reported from the Akuressa and Angunakolapelessa areas as well.

SJB-UNP talks crash

Meanwhile, the talks between the SJB and UNP to form an alliance crashed last week following SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake’s bombshell where he announced his withdrawal from the committee engaged in discussions with the UNP, stating that he would not participate in future talks between the two parties.

“Some of the things discussed in the meetings were good. However, some questioned the (coalition’s) leadership and how we are to contest. We wanted a strong and long-lasting alliance and to ensure that Sajith Premadasa wins the next Presidential Election,” Attanayake told a news conference.

He noted that several false accusations on social media and WhatsApp groups had been circulating on the SJB-UNP alliance and claimed that the behaviour of some political figures was to blame for the withdrawal. Attanayake blamed some members in his own party for the threats and humiliation faced by him due to the talks to form an alliance between the SJB and UNP.

The SJB had recently appointed a five-member committee, led by General Secretary Madduma Bandara, which included Attanayake, Kabir Hashim, Gayantha Karunatilleka, Harshana Rajakaruna, and Mujibur Rahman, to engage in discussions with the UNP regarding a possible collaboration for the upcoming elections.

It is believed by some SJBers and UNPers that Attanayake’s decision to step back from the negotiation committee may affect the dynamics of these discussions.

‘Telephone’ for the polls

Meanwhile, Madduma Bandara said that the SJB would be contesting under the party’s ‘telephone’ symbol at the upcoming LG Elections.

The SJB General Secretary’s statement on the party’s electoral symbol at the elections comes after the UNP Working Committee recently decided that while the party would contest under the UNP’s ‘elephant’ symbol in several LG bodies like Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Galle, it would contest under a common alliance symbol in the other bodies.

UNP waiting

The UNP meanwhile says it is awaiting an official response from the SJB before continuing discussions, as talks between the two parties have come to a standstill due to alleged issues surrounding the coalition’s leadership.

UNP General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale stated that the UNP had not withdrawn from the discussions. However, she noted that certain internal issues within the SJB had caused a pause in the talks.

“We cannot have discussions by ourselves. The SJB participated in the discussions after a decision made by its Working Committee and we did the same. We understand that the SJB’s Working Committee is meeting to discuss the matter. We are waiting for their official response to proceed,” she added.

District leadership conundrum

However, the SJB is currently facing issues over the appointment of the party’s district leaders. The party recently appointed district leaders to Matale (Rohini Kavirathna), Kurunegala (Nalin Bandara), Galle (Gayantha Karunatilleka), Gampaha (Harshana Rajakaruna), Puttalam (Hector Appuhamy), Anuradhapura (Rohana Bandara), Kalutara (Ajith P. Perera), and Trincomalee (Imran Maharoof). 

Party General Secretary Madduma Bandara was appointed as the Monaragala District Leader while Party Leader Premadasa took the leadership of the Colombo District. SJB leaders for key districts like Kegalle, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Badulla, Matara, and Hambantota are yet to be appointed. 

Meanwhile, former MP Buddhika Pathirana, it is learnt, is eyeing the Matara District leadership although he could not secure a parliamentary seat at the last Parliamentary Elections. In the Gampaha District, MP Kavinda Jayawardena is displeased at being sidelined by Rajakaruna.

Nevertheless, it is the sidelining of MP Harsha de Silva by not appointing him as the SJB’s Colombo District leader that has gathered much attention. 

It is learnt that it is an SJBer who was appointed to Parliament who is from the Colombo District who had urged the party leadership to refrain from appointing de Silva as a district leader. Despite calls to appoint de Silva as the chief Opposition whip in Parliament and to name him as a member of the committee to discuss the formation of an alliance with the UNP, he was not appointed to any of these positions.

Harsha-Marikkar clash

Meanwhile, it is learnt that there is a clash within the SJB between de Silva and S.M. Marikkar over the Colombo District leadership. 

Marikkar said previously that he had lost out on a similar position due to recommendations being made against the appointment, after which the Party Leader had assumed the post. “Even though I was the second highest to have obtained votes, recommendations were made not to appoint me as it could result in an issue. Then it was advised for the Party Leader to take over the post,” he had told the media. 

Stating that a similar occurrence had taken place regarding de Silva’s appointment this time, Marikkar had said it seemed the Party Leader intended to continuously hold on to the position. 

“In politics, we need to be patient and must endure certain incidents. We will not always get what we want. Even though we are elected as Members of Parliament, there are times when we have to fight to obtain an opportunity to address the House. These are common occurrences,” he had added. 

SJBers call for probe

Meanwhile, a group of SJBers has called on the party leadership to probe party members who had received funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is currently facing much controversy following US President Donald Trump’s new administration’s decision to suspend USAID to probe its fund utilisation.

MP Sujeewa Senasinghe has pointed out to the SJB leadership that it was important to know the SJBers who had received funds from USAID.

It is learnt that the reason for SJBers calling for a probe on the party members who had received USAID funds is due to the belief that the likes of de Silva and several other senior members had received funds from this organisation and that it was due to this reason that they had promoted pro-US policies within the SJB.

RW’s return to Parliament

Discussions were rife at Sirikotha on Friday (21) when the Working Committee met following a news item claiming UNP Leader Wickremesinghe was planning on re-entering Parliament in December via the National List. 

The topic had been raised during a discussion with several senior UNPers, with them questioning who had provided this news item to the media. 

Commenting on the veracity of the article, a senior UNP member commented that Parliament was not capable of changing the current trajectory of the Government due to the inexperience of its members. The member said that instead change must be brought about from the public and that the Opposition must focus on building its support outside of Parliament. 

There was further conversation about the fact that despite Wickremesinghe having apparently retired from active politics, Government and Opposition members were still focusing on him, showing that they viewed him as the biggest threat on the political stage. The former President laughed when asked about the news item, stating that he was enjoying his time away on the international lecture circuit.

It was also discussed that neither of the two individuals who were sent to Parliament through the ‘gas cylinder’ alliance under the New Democratic Front (NDF) National List – Ravi Karunanayake and Faiszer Musthapha – would resign from their seats to make way for Wickremesinghe.

Sharmila’s denial

Meanwhile, NDF General Secretary Sharmila Perera stated on Friday that there was no truth in the reports that Wickremesinghe was looking at returning to Parliament through the NDF’s National List and that there was no decision for the party’s National List MPs to resign from their parliamentary seats. 

“I heard reports that Ranil Wickremesinghe is looking at re-entering Parliament. There is no truth to it because there are already two MPs through the party’s National List. One of these two MPs would have to resign if Wickremesinghe or any other individual is to enter Parliament. There’s no such plan and there has been no request for such from Wickremesinghe’s side either,” Perera has said.

New members

The UNP Working Committee that met last Friday saw the appointment of several new members as well as the re-appointment of several senior members to the committee.

Former MPs Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Ajith Mannapperuma, Sunethra Ranasinghe, and several others were appointed to the Working Committee.

About 15 new members were appointed to the Working Committee, with several former senior members of the public service among them. Among the new members are Shanthini Kongahage, Dinesh Vidanapathirana, Sumudu Kakulandala, Nipuna Samaratunge, and several others.

A four-member advisory council to the Working Committee that includes President’s Counsel Tilak Marapana and former MP Daya Gamage was also appointed. 

Wine and dine

Meanwhile, SLPP Leader, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) had wanted to meet with senior SLPPers who had held ministerial portfolios in the past. This included several SLPP dissidents as well.

The meeting, which also included dinner, was organised at MR’s Wijerama Road residence by Namal Rajapaksa on his father’s directive. 

Accordingly, Chamal Rajapaksa, Bandula Gunawardena, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, and Gamini Lokuge had attended the meeting, However, S.B. Dissanayake, Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, and several others were not present.

MR had arrived for the meeting when those attending it were served a glass of wine. Some of the attendees had said that they had thought it was a party being held before MR left the Wijerama residence given the Government’s calls for MR and family to vacate the residence.

MR had laughed and joined the discussion. One of the senior SLPPers had said that the Government was focused on harassing some members in the Opposition while two to three of its (JVP/NPP) MPs were forced to share one housing unit at the Madiwela Housing Complex. 

It was also pointed out that the Madiwela Housing Complex was to provide housing for Opposition MPs since Government members were usually allocated houses in Colombo; however, this time around, some of the Government-side MPs have to suffer since the Government wants to harass others. 

MR had agreed saying that 159 MPs were suffering due to the Government’s decision to harass 66 MPs (in the Opposition).

Future plans

However, once the discussion started to move towards the current political situation in the country, Namal had explained the reason for inviting the participants for a meeting.

Namal had noted that the Government was facing difficulties in carrying out the promises it had made while the Government MPs were disgruntled and unable to respond to questions posed about honouring pledges made by the JVP/NPP.

He had then pointed out that it was now the best environment for the Opposition to build itself and gain ground. Abeygunawardena had agreed and said that there would be more opportunities for the Opposition in the coming days and that it was time for all Opposition members to start working together.

Chamal had then opined that it would be better for Opposition members to build themselves as separate forces and work jointly rather than trying to join and work under one party. He had added that it would then lead to the formation of a strong Opposition. Aluthgamage had agreed, saying that everyone should focus on strengthening their own camps separately until it was time for a united front. 

Meeting and singing

Following the discussion with MR, a group of dissident SLPPers who had formed an alliance under the ‘gas cylinder’ symbol met last week for a discussion that was followed by drinks and dinner.

It is learnt that around 24 former MPs who were in the ‘gas cylinder’ alliance had attended the meeting. Although a lengthy discussion had been held on the future political action they should take given the discussions had with the SLPP, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), and UNP, the dissident SLPPers had decided to regroup to hold a brainstorming session. However, many participants at this meeting had pointed out that their supporters were continuing to urge them to build a base in their constituencies in order to enable them to engage in political work.

Following the discussion, the participants in the meeting had turned to drink and dine. Meanwhile, a video clip of a group of former SLPP MPs singing was seen on social media. Aluthgamage, Sahan Pradeep, Piyal Nishantha, and Sudarshana Denipitiya were seen singing and having a good time.

ITAK picking up pieces

Meanwhile, following the defeat faced at the hands of the JVP/NPP in the Northern Province and a majority of the districts in the Eastern Province, the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has started to regroup to rebuild the party.

One of the first steps in its move forward was to appoint President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran as the General Secretary of the ITAK.

This appointment was made at the Central Committee meeting of the ITAK held in Batticaloa last Sunday (16). The meeting was chaired by Acting President C.V.K. Sivagnanam.