• India formally announces Modi’s visit from 4-6 April; meetings and signing of MOUs also on the cards
• Earlier plans for Modi to visit Trinco changed by Lankan Govt.; Sampur project launch now online
• AKD to take Modi to Anuradhapura, near his hometown; flagging new railway signals, religious observances
• IMF notes SL’s economic vulnerabilities, pushes reforms; AKD, Govt. on the hunt for new Treasury secy.
• Duminda’s conflict of interest issues make Govt. think twice on appointing him as new Treasury secy.
• Chinese cosy up to RW as Modi plans visit to SL; RW hosted to pre-birthday dinner by Chinese envoy
• China still displeased with JVP/NPP Govt.’s silence on permitting Chinese research vessels into SL waters
• JVP/NPP Govt.’s foreign policy under scrutiny over UK’s sanctions on four Lankans including forces chiefs
• UK sanctions Wasantha, Jagath, Shavendra, and former LTTEer Karuna; Govt. urged to take strong stand
• Opposition unites to condemn Govt.’s lacklustre response to UK; MR hits out, criticises UK’s hypocrisy
• RW also stands by war heroes; questions arise over exemption of wartime Army Chief SF from UK sanctions
• SF says even war heroes should be punished if found guilty of human rights violations; stands by forces
• JVP/NPP confident of LG Polls victory; AKD to lead ruling party’s election campaign, attends meetings
• Tilvin says ready for electoral litmus test, wants people to give Local Government power also to JVP/NPP
• Sajith dismisses talk of SJB forming alliances with UNP, SLPP; some SJBers suspect SJB-NPP deal at polls
• Disgruntled SJBers claim political alliance with UNP would have ensured SJB win, especially in CMC
• Imthiaz’s resignation continues to hit SJB; Marikkar slams SJB over failing to heed his advice on media
• SJB’s Kavinda attends RW’s birthday event; Rahula Thera reveals what RW would not do pre-Prez Polls
• CBK reveals secret behind holding back Batalanda Comm. report to Sajith; Sajith shows a photo to CBK
• Namal leads SLPP LG Polls campaign; Krrish case postponed due to two judges stepping down from case
• Namal publicly says CJ Shirani’s impeachment during MR’s second term was wrong; warns AKD Govt.
• Deshabandu alone in cell in ‘K’ ward at Dumbara Prison; visits only from wife and son, food from home
• Books and newspapers requested by Deshabandu given daily; CID visits prison, records statement
• Deshabandu recounts journey from Hokandara to Giriulla and Matara, but says can’t remember details
• CID warned by Deshabandu that every dog has his day; cold war for IGP post among senior officers

While President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Government are trying to steer the country on its continuing economic recovery path without much disruption, several external factors – like the resurfacing of the controversial Batalanda Commission report during former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent interview with Al Jazeera, and last week’s imposition of sanctions by the UK on four Sri Lankans including three former forces commanders – continue to challenge the Government.

President AKD meanwhile also serves as the brand ambassador of the JVP/NPP Government, with him now taking the role of the ruling party’s campaign lead at the upcoming Local Government Elections. He is due to launch the JVP/NPP’s polls campaign by attending several public meetings in the Hambantota District, including Tissamaharama, which was the first Local Government body that was led by the JVP in 2002, named the ‘Adhishtanaye Puravaraya’ (‘City of Hope’) at the time. Nevertheless, the JVP lost power of the Local Government body after two terms.

However, the JVP/NPP Government that was elected to office on an anti-corruption platform seems quite committed to the cause, with the Cabinet of Ministers last week approving the proposal presented by the President to implement the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025-2029 with the coordination of all ministries, departments, Government institutes, and relevant stakeholders.

Minister K.D. Lalkantha meanwhile stated last week that the Government had managed to wipe out corruption at the highest level and that the party’s work would be completed once corruption at the level of public sector officials was also stopped.

The Cabinet of Ministers has meanwhile also decided to follow President AKD in deciding to relinquish the salary paid to ministers and opt to only draw the salaries of Members of Parliament (MPs), which are also deposited into a common fund.

Economic sensitivities

On the economic front, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has yet again stated that Sri Lanka’s economy still remains vulnerable. This was conveyed by IMF Communications Department Director Julie Kozack, when she said that the economy still remained vulnerable and therefore it was critical to sustain the reform momentum to ensure that macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability were durably achieved.

There is no doubt that the Government is also aware of these economic sensitivities, given the comments being made by senior members of the administration. 

However, it is in such a backdrop that Standard Chartered Bank last week announced that it was exploring the sale of its Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB) business in Sri Lanka. This message was conveyed in a communication issued to its clients. A message had stated that the bank’s move is part of the Standard Chartered Group’s global strategy to focus on markets where it has the strongest client proposition.

The bank had also assured clients that the transition process, expected to take 15-18 months, would not impact day-to-day banking operations, and all deposits and funds remained safe. “We will continue to serve you as usual during the transition,” the message had stated, adding that the sale remained subject to regulatory approvals.

Mahinda to Manila

Meanwhile, Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana will be retiring from service at the end of May and is tipped to assume his new role at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila on 1 June.

Siriwardana’s impending departure has resulted in a competition for the top post at the Treasury, with the Government also having to explore options. Although Senior Economic Adviser to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa was considered the heir apparent to the post of finance secretary, it is learnt that increasing concerns expressed over Hulangamuwa’s conflict of interest in holding such office, even serving as an economic adviser while serving as the Country Managing Partner at one of Sri Lanka’s leading accounting firms, have rattled the President and members of the Government.

Hulangamuwa was in the spotlight recently over his response to a question on conflict of interest in his role in the Government and private sector during a television interview. He denied that his dual role had led to a conflict of interest in any way, adding that he was aware of such conversations that had taken place within and outside Parliament. While admitting that he was privy to sensitive information due to his role in the Government, he added that he had not shared the knowledge with anyone.

However, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva questioned Hulangamuwa’s statement by posting on X: “Hulangamuwa says there is no conflict of interest in him being the Partner at E&Y and his role as chief econ advisor to the GOSL. He says he had (insider) information on all matters in the IMF negotiations and has full access to data/strategy. If E&Y was a juice company it’s ok, but he himself says it is the largest financial advisory in Sri Lanka.”

It is also learnt that the Government is also looking at several additional secretaries currently serving at the Finance Ministry and has also received negative reports about several officials.  

Gearing for Modi

Be that as it may, the JVP/NPP Government seems all set to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka this coming week. Modi will also be the first high-level foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka since AKD and his Government assumed office last year. The upcoming visit will also mark Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, with his last visit to the country being in 2019.

“During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with the President of Sri Lanka to review progress made on the areas of cooperation agreed upon in the joint vision for ‘Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’ adopted during the Sri Lankan President’s State visit to India. The Prime Minister will also have meetings with senior dignitaries and political leaders. 

“As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will also travel to Anuradhapura for the inauguration of development projects implemented with Indian financial assistance,” the Indian Government stated last Friday (28). Modi will be accompanied by India’s Minister of External Affairs, National Security Adviser, Foreign Secretary, and other senior officials from the Government of India.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in the energy, infrastructure, and trade sectors are to be signed during the visit.

It is learnt that Modi will be inaugurating the proposed 120 MW Sampur solar power plant during his visit. Prime Minister Modi will launch the delayed Sampur power project in Sri Lanka’s port district of Trincomalee during his visit next week, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

The proposed Sampur power plant was first signed in 2006 as a 500 MW coal power plant but was later changed to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in 2016 on a request by the then Sri Lankan Government. However, it was finally decided that it would be a 120 MW solar power plant, which is due to be launched by Modi.

Ironically, the launch of the Sampur power plant as a joint venture between Sri Lanka and India was delayed due to objections raised by the JVP at the time, yet the plant is now going to be launched under the JVP-led Government.

Change in plans

Foreign Secretary Misri also noted that the ground-breaking of the Sampur power project would take place during Modi’s visit via online technology. It was initially believed that Modi would physically participate in the launch of the power project in Trincomalee while also participating in religious observances in Trincomalee.

However, it is learnt that it had later been decided by the Sri Lankan Government that Modi would visit Anuradhapura with President AKD instead of travelling to Trincomalee. In Anuradhapura, which is in the vicinity of the President’s hometown, Modi is expected to engage in religious observances at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and launch several Indian-funded projects, including the newly-established railway signal system.

China turns to RW

Meanwhile, the Chinese seem to have turned their attention to former President Wickremesinghe, with Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong and his wife hosting Wickremesinghe and his wife, Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, to a dinner on 22 March.

The dinner was an early birthday celebration for Wickremesinghe who celebrated his 76th birthday last Monday (24). The photograph of Wickremesinghe and his wife cutting a cake while the Chinese Ambassador and his wife are seen to be cheering surprised many, given that a birthday celebration is usually hosted by those enjoying very close and personal ties.

Wickremesinghe has not been considered to be particularly close to the Chinese in the past given the belief that he was pro-West in his politics. However, it seems like Wickremesinghe’s shift in foreign policy witnessed during the last Government, where he focused more on further strengthening ties with Asian countries given the emergence of the Asian bloc, has attracted the Chinese towards him.

The latest move by the Chinese, who are known to strictly adhere to strategy and geopolitical interests, also seems to be aimed at sending out a message to the JVP/NPP as well. 

The Chinese have maintained and continue to maintain strong ties with the Rajapaksas and the JVP/NPP ascension to power made many believe that the Chinese would enjoy certain benefits more than other countries given the JVP’s founding political ideologies.

However, President AKD and the JVP/NPP Government have thus far managed to maintain a balance when dealing with neighbouring India and China.

Disappointed

Nevertheless, the past few months since the ascension of the JVP/NPP to power have witnessed the arrival of several senior members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to Sri Lanka. However, the Chinese seem to be maintaining a low profile since the announcement of Indian Premier Modi’s visit to the country by the Sri Lankan Government.

It is learnt that following Modi’s visit, a high-profile Chinese delegation is also tipped to visit Sri Lanka, although details are yet to be known. 

However, one of the key sour points for the Chinese with regard to ties with Sri Lanka is related to Chinese research vessels. It is no secret that the Chinese have placed much importance on the calling of Chinese research vessels at Sri Lankan ports. It is ironic that they are now cosying up to Wickremesinghe, who put in place a one-year moratorium on foreign research vessels engaging in research work in Sri Lankan waters. 

Foreign policy test

Although the incumbent Government has done away with the moratorium on foreign research vessels operating in local waters, the failure to implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for such vessels, which was mooted by the previous Government, has further compounded the matter for the administration.

The JVP/NPP Government’s foreign policy – or the lack of one – has been the subject of much discussion in the past few months. The belief is that balancing India and China on a case-by-case basis alone will not suffice for the Government to engage and further strengthen ties with the international community. 

Last week’s announcement by the UK of sanctions on several Sri Lankan citizens reignited talks on the Government’s handling of sensitive issues related to international affairs.

RW supports war heroes

Former President Wickremesinghe meanwhile had made several interesting statements during the launch of former Minister Bandula Gunawardena’s book, ‘The Panchayudha of Sri Lanka’s Economy,’ in Rajagiriya.

Wickremesinghe, who was the Chief Guest at the event, had first said, referring to the 2002 and 2023 Governments, that whenever the country’s economy had fallen to negative growth rates, both he (Wickremesinghe) and Gunawardena had worked together. The former President had asked in a lighter vein for Gunawardena to consider writing a separate book on that experience.

The book launch was attended by many politicians such as former Speakers Karu Jayasuriya and Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena as well as Dayasiri Jayasekara, Wajira Abeywardena, and Tissa Attanayake.

The politicians at the event were seen engaged in an intense discussion during a tea party held after the book launch, with special attention on the sanctions imposed by the UK on several former forces chiefs.

Wickremesinghe had then made the next interesting statement when he had spoken in support of war heroes, saying: “I have openly spoken of my stances, but I have never spoken about sending war heroes to the gallows. Although I was labelled as being pro-LTTE, I have never taken any decision that was detrimental to the country.”

UK sanctions

The UK Government on Monday (24) imposed sanctions on four individuals whom the country claimed to have been responsible for serious human rights abuses and violations during the Sri Lankan civil war, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and/or perpetration of sexual violence.

It was stated that the measures, which include UK travel bans and asset freezes, target individuals responsible for a range of violations and abuses, such as extrajudicial killings, during the civil war.

Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Lammy said: “The UK Government is committed to human rights in Sri Lanka, including seeking accountability for human rights violations and abuses which took place during the civil war, and which continue to have an impact on communities today. 

“I made a commitment during the election campaign to ensure those responsible are not allowed impunity. This decision ensures that those responsible for past human rights violations and abuses are held accountable. 

“The UK Government looks forward to working with the new Sri Lankan Government to improve human rights in Sri Lanka, and welcomes their commitments on national unity.”

Apart from former LTTE Commander Karuna (Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan), the others sanctioned by the UK are former Head of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces Shavendra Silva, former Commander of the Navy Wasantha Karannagoda, and former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army Jagath Jayasuriya.

The UK has led international efforts to promote accountability in Sri Lanka alongside partners in the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which includes Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

Opposition hits out

Following the UK’s announcement of the sanctions, Opposition MPs S.M. Marikkar, Namal Rajapaksa, and Dilith Jayaweera were the first to condemn the UK’s decision to impose sanctions on senior Sri Lankan military figures who had played a key role in defeating terrorism in the country and questioned the Government’s response to the move. 

“Three former commanders have been sanctioned. Generally, such actions are taken after informing the Foreign Affairs Ministry. These commanders fought for the State and these sanctions have been imposed because of the war waged for the State,” Marikkar said. 

He added that although the then Government had questioned the reasons when the US had imposed similar sanctions on Silva, the present Government had not taken such steps. Marikkar further claimed that the Government remained silent about the matter in order to garner votes in the north and the east, adding that the Government should not harbour any hatred towards the military.

Meanwhile, calling the move a result of relentless LTTE-backed lobbying, Namal accused Western politicians of undermining Sri Lanka’s reconciliation process for political gain.

Jayaweera also expressed his disappointment at the Government’s response to the UK’s announcement, which he termed an ‘unfounded decision.’ 

“I am deeply surprised and disappointed by the Government of Sri Lanka’s lacklustre response to the United Kingdom’s unfounded decision to impose sanctions on three of our most distinguished military leaders – General Shavendra Silva, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, and General Jagath Jayasuriya. These individuals played a pivotal role in ending a brutal terrorist conflict that plagued Sri Lanka for decades, ensuring peace and stability for all its citizens. It is the sacrifice and courage of our armed forces that led us to roam freely on this island. There will be no conversation on development if we were in the clutches of terrorism,” Jayaweera stated, posting on X. 

Namal challenged the Government, questioning President AKD and the Government’s response to the sanctions. Posting on X, he demanded to know whether the Government would stand by war heroes when foreign powers attacked those who secured peace for Sri Lanka or remain silent in the face of foreign pressure.

MR hits out

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR), who was the Executive President during the end of the war, took a hard stance against the UK over the sanctions.

“I categorically reject the UK Government’s allegation of widespread human rights violations during the war. Lord Naseby stated in the House of Lords on 12 October 2017 that the then UK Defence Attache in Colombo Lieutenant Colonel Anton Gash had, in conversation with him, praised the discipline of the Sri Lanka Army and stated that there certainly was no policy to kill civilians. 

“Because Lt. Col. Anton Gash’s wartime dispatches to London differ so significantly from the narrative promoted by the UK political authorities, only a heavily redacted version of those dispatches have been released. We waged war only against the LTTE and not against the Tamil people,” he claimed in a statement.

MR also noted that what Sri Lanka had defeated in 2009 was the organisation that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had officially designated as the deadliest terrorist organisation in the world. “It is noteworthy that the UK introduced special legislation in 2021 and 2023 to protect their own armed forces from persecution by interested parties,” he said.

“When UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband came to Sri Lanka in April 2009 and demanded a halt to military operations, I flatly turned him down. Later, a London-based newspaper, The Telegraph, revealed, quoting secret documents made public by WikiLeaks, that Mr. Miliband had tried to intervene in Sri Lanka to win Tamil votes for the Labour Party. Regrettably, to this day, vote-bank politics determines the UK’s stand on Sri Lanka’s war against the LTTE,” MR added.

Govt.’s response

However, around 48 hours after the UK announced the sanctions, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement, saying: “The ministry wishes to underline that this is a unilateral action taken by the UK Government which involves an asset freeze and travel ban on the individuals concerned. Such unilateral actions by countries do not assist but serve to complicate the national reconciliation process underway in Sri Lanka.”

The ministry also noted that the Government was in the process of strengthening domestic mechanisms on accountability and reconciliation, adding that any past human rights violations should be dealt with through domestic accountability mechanisms.

It was further noted that the position of the Sri Lankan Government had been conveyed by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick earlier that day.

While the UK’s sanctions were publicly welcomed by former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M.A. Sumanthiran, the nationalist camp slammed the sanctions and the diplomatic failures of the JVP/NPP Government, which they claimed had paved the way for foreign countries to look at further sanctions on Sri Lanka.

UK’s atrocities

Opposition political parties also slammed the many allegations of war crimes levelled against countries like the UK since the colonial period.

The UK has also been accused of war crimes and alleged atrocities from World War I and in South Africa, to more recent times in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

Given all these and the failure by the UK to act on many alleged atrocities, the UK’s sanctions on citizens of other countries over alleged war crimes and other atrocities have been subject to much criticism worldwide.

Need for more action

Meanwhile, Admiral Karannagoda, while accusing the UK of hypocrisy, has stated that the UK is targeting Sri Lanka with human rights sanctions.

He noted in a statement that Britain had never apologised for its past actions and questioned why it remained silent on ongoing global conflicts like those in Gaza, Syria, Afghanistan, and Libya.

Karannagoda also alleged that LTTE sympathisers remained active in Western countries such as the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia, as well as in Europe, working towards their goal of creating a separate state in Sri Lanka and that they were collecting funds to influence politicians in these countries to impose sanctions on Sri Lankan military leaders who played a key role in defeating the LTTE.

He further warned that the recent sanctions could be just the beginning, with further sanctions likely as a result of external pressure. “The British Prime Minister, a former human rights lawyer, is using this issue to gain majority votes. This is very unfair,” Karannagoda had added.

The Government was also urged by Karannagoda to take a firm stance against the sanctions and stand by its military leaders who helped end the war against terrorism.

Exempting Fonseka

Jayasuriya meanwhile stated last week that he was unaware as to why sanctions had been imposed on him when it was Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka who had served as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army at the time of the end of the war.

Like Karannagoda, Jayasuriya also called on the Government to act further than issuing a statement in response to the UK sanctions.

Fonseka’s criticism

Fonseka, meanwhile, referring to the UK’s sanctions, stated that the law should take its course with regard to human rights violations even if such acts were committed by war heroes.

He has told the media that he has criticised in Parliament two persons who had been imposed with sanctions by the UK. He has noted that Jayasuriya and Karannagoda had not fought on the frontlines and had been relegated to the back of the battlefield. “If any wrong had been committed in the back of the battlefield, that should be investigated,” he has said, adding that Jayasuriya was investigated even during the period he (Fonseka) was the Army Commander.

Fonseka has further noted that Shavendra Silva had fought on the frontlines and had done nothing wrong, adding that the Government was not bound to protect war heroes.

Sure of victory

On the political front, all parties are now in election mode, with campaigns being launched for the upcoming Local Government Polls.

The ruling JVP/NPP has expressed confidence in securing a victory similar to that recorded during last year’s Parliamentary Elections at the upcoming Local Government Elections. JVP/NPP leaders claim that they are ready to face the first litmus test on governance since assuming office last year.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva meanwhile stated that the powers of Local Government bodies should be vested under the ruling party in order to ensure the smooth implementation of the JVP/NPP programme.

Silva also claimed that the party would also announce its mayoral and chairperson candidates for Local Government bodies prior to the election since the public needed to know the leaders they would be voting for.

No alliance

Meanwhile, Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa last week claimed that a news story published in the Sinhala media that he was in talks with Wickremesinghe, Maithripala Sirisena, and Namal Rajapaksa to form a political alliance was false. Premadasa tagged the media story on his social media claiming it was a fake.

Premadasa also said at a meeting in Kurunegala that the SJB had no intention of joining with any political party, claiming that bankrupt political parties were spreading fake news to prevent the SJB from securing a landslide victory at the upcoming election. He also criticised repeating the actions of previous governments, emphasising that it would not bring about any meaningful change. 

The story in the media had stated that Premadasa, Wickremesinghe, Sirisena, and Namal were in discussion to form a broad political alliance to secure a victory for the Opposition parties at the upcoming Local Government Elections. 

However, the SJB, United National Party (UNP), and even the SLPP have already held discussions in an unofficial capacity to look at the possibilities of forming alliances after the Local Government Elections to secure power in some Local Government bodies. SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara has already stated that the SJB and UNP could look at joining to form administrations in certain Local Government bodies after the polls.

Doubts about deals

However, the SJB’s decision of not forming an alliance with Opposition parties to contest the Local Government Elections has paved the way for suspicion on whether the party or some of its seniors are in a deal with some ruling party members.

Some of the disgruntled SJBers who had expected to contest the Local Government Elections under an SJB-led alliance had recently discussed that the party could have recorded easy victories at the polls, especially in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), if it had contested under an alliance. This advantage, they claim, was lost due to the move by some SJBers loyal to Premadasa to block a political alliance.

This discussion had led to the SJBers casting aspersions on whether party members who had blocked the formation of a political alliance with the UNP and other Opposition parties were in fact supporting the JVP/NPP to win some key Local Government bodies.

Reeling from resignation

The SJB meanwhile is also beginning to feel the impact of Party Chairman Imthiaz Bakeer Markar’s resignation from all posts held by him in the SJB. The resignation has resulted in many SJBers feeling more disgruntled with a group of party seniors, including the leadership, whom they believe have lost the plot and veered away from the SJB’s founding principles.

Bakeer Markar, who is a senior politician, was a loyal member of the UNP until his decision to take a step back from politics and later join Premadasa to form the SJB due to the importance of internal party democracy.

In the UNP-led Government in 2001-2004, Bakeer Markar held the Media, Posts, and Telecommunications Ministry and was the first minister with a degree in media to hold the portfolio of Media. However, then Prime Minister Wickremesinghe had appointed heads to all institutions, especially those under the Media Ministry, that were under Bakeer Markar’s purview and had directed these heads to report directly to him. This had posed many issues to Bakeer Markar in carrying out his work as the minister in charge. 

On another occasion, Bakeer Markar had also faced pressure from Wickremesinghe when he was planning on seconding a motion in Parliament in support of Palestine that former President MR, who as the Opposition Leader at the time, was planning to present to the House. 

Both MR and Bakeer Markar have been supportive of the Palestinian liberation fight and have openly stood for the cause. Then Minister Bakeer Markar had agreed to support the motion with the aim of publicising the country’s support for the Palestinian cause. However, Wickremesinghe had directed Bakeer Markar not to support the motion.

It is learnt that Wickremesinghe’s directive was not due to the fact that the motion was being moved by MR, but due to the fear of making the US displeased with such a move by a Government Minister. Bakeer Markar had not agreed with Wickremesinghe given that Sri Lanka was supposed to follow a non-aligned foreign policy, but had followed Wickremesinghe’s directive in order to maintain the peace.

In 2004, Bakeer Markar had stepped aside from politics for a while. Despite offers from MR to join his Government and accept portfolios and posts, Bakeer Markar had refused and stayed without joining any political party.

Bakeer Markar finally returned to active politics by joining the SJB and is now maintaining a low profile, distancing himself from SJB politics.

Marikkar’s bombshell

Meanwhile, SJB MP S.M. Marikkar dropped a bombshell last week saying that the party had not taken advice from him in carrying out its media campaigns during last year’s elections.

He claimed that he had given a report in 2021 on the current ruling party’s expansion on social media platforms, citing that the JVP had taken charge of 177 YouTube channels and other platforms. “I also recommended how to respond to this in the report. I explained how to use the media for maximum coverage. I gave it in writing on three occasions. But no one took notice of it,” he said.

Marikkar added that while the ruling party had the finances to become prominent on social media, the SJB did not have such finances, adding that the party did not have the knowledge to manage them even if it managed to gain such access.

Celebrating RW

Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe’s birthday, which fell last Monday, saw several politicians, including former SJB MP Ajith Mannapperuma and current SJB MP Kavinda Jayawardana, also participating in religious observances organised to mark the event.

The religious ceremony was held at the Sedawatta Weheragoda Purana Viharaya. The event was organised by the temple’s Chief Incumbent Ven. Ambanwala Gnanaloka Thera and was held under the patronage of Kotte Kalyani Samagri Dharma Sangha Sabha Mahanayaka Ven. Ittapana Dhammalankara Thera.

Meanwhile, Chief Incumbent of the Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya in Bambarakanda, Kurundure, Ven. Dodampahala Rahula Thera, who had also attended the event, had said that Wickremesinghe had never taken any decisions that were harmful to the country.

“The people are living comfortably due to the decisions taken by President Ranil Wickremesinghe when the country was in peril,” Rahula Thera has observed, adding that the former President would always have the blessings of the Maha Sangha.

Meanwhile, a celebration was also organised at his office at Flower Road in Colombo with the participation of many political leaders. 

The Thera’s revelation

However, it was Ven. Rahula Thera who made an interesting statement during his sermon at the event. 

The Thera noted that despite requests from some including him in the run-up to last year’s Presidential Election that Wickremesinghe should not place orders for fuel or open Letters of Credit (LCs) for the purpose, he (Wickremesinghe) had refused this, saying that the country should not suffer again.

Ven. Rahula Thera reiterated that it was for this reason that it was evident that Wickremesinghe always had the best interest of the country at heart.

CBK talks of Batalanda

Amidst the ongoing political chaos, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (CBK) and Opposition Leader Premadasa had attended an event as Chief Guests recently, where they were seated next to each other. The two were seen engaged in a friendly conversation, with Premadasa even taking out his mobile phone and showing something to CBK and everyone around the two had wondered what it was.

Both CBK and Premadasa had also discussed the controversial Batalanda Commission report. CBK, it is learnt, had also found fault with Wickremesinghe over his interview with Al Jazeera, which boomeranged on him with the resurfacing of the Batalanda saga. CBK had also claimed that despite being blamed for allegedly ‘hiding’ the controversial Batalanda report, she had never done so. 

“Why would I hide a report of a commission that I had appointed? Many atrocities committed during that period were revealed to the country as a result. But one of the key witnesses died under mysterious circumstances the day before he had to give evidence. Many claimed at the time that the witness was killed. That is why the report was not tabled in Parliament, because one of the key witnesses died,” CBK had noted.

Sajith’s photograph

Meanwhile, it was later revealed that Premadasa had shown CBK a photograph that was in his mobile phone. The photograph had been of a younger Premadasa engaged in a friendly chat with CBK’s mother, the late Sirimavo Bandaranaike.

It is learnt that Premadasa had told CBK that despite the political clashes between Bandaranaike and Premadasa’s father, the late Ranasinghe Premadasa, the former had not taken into consideration such issues and had engaged in a friendly conversation with him.

Namal’s stance

Meanwhile, the SLPP’s election campaign lead, Namal, witnessed an interesting development regarding a court case against him.

Colombo High Court Judges Manjula Thilakaratne and Sujeewa Nissanka had last week announced their decisions to recuse themselves from the case against Namal related to the controversial Krrish Tower project.

Thilakaratne had recused himself stating that the decision had been taken as a result of statements posted by senior journalists Poddala Jayantha and Sanath Balasooriya on Facebook recently. Speaking in open court, he had further said that the case would be referred to Colombo High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka.

However, Judge Nissanka had also announced that he too would recuse himself from the case. 

The case was then referred to Colombo Chief High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige to appoint a suitable judge for the hearing and the case was postponed till 21 May.

Wrongful impeachment

Namal meanwhile had also made quite a controversial statement where he has disapproved of the decision taken during former President MR’s second term in office to impeach then Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.

Bandaranayake was impeached in 2013 after the Rajapaksa family had found the Supreme Court determination with regard to the ‘Divi Neguma’ draft bill was not to their liking. MR’s brother Basil Rajapaksa was a powerful Minister at the time and ‘Divi Neguma’ was a programme mooted by him.

“The current Government should not repeat the same mistakes we made. If they are repeating them, then it is not correct. Our party is still paying the price for such decisions,” Namal had said.

No permanent enemies

Meanwhile, two former senior LTTEers have given credence to the age-old words of wisdom that there are no permanent enemies or friends in politics but only permanent interests, by uniting recently following years of rivalry.

A few days prior to the sanctions imposed on Karuna, he formed an alliance with Shivanesathurai Santhirakanthan alias Pillayan to face the upcoming Local Government Elections. 

Pillayan said that they had decided to put aside their differences and work together.

He recalled that the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) had been formed by Karuna Amman to fight against the LTTE. 

Pillayan said that following the defeat of the LTTE there had been some differences between him and Karuna Amman. However, he said that they had now decided to put aside their differences in the best interest of the people of the north and east.

Karuna Amman praised the role played by Pillayan as a former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province. He claimed that Pillayan had done more for the people than C.V. Wigneswaran had done as Chief Minister of the Northern Province.

Deshabandu’s request

Meanwhile, suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon has said that he did not want to consume food served to him in prison and had requested the Department of Prisons for consent to receive meals from home.

Prisons Media Spokesperson, Commissioner Gamini B. Dissanayake has confirmed that Tennakoon had formally requested permission and had been asked to provide valid reasons to justify it. Once submitted, the prison authorities will assess the request and take appropriate action.

However, after presenting reasons for the request, Tennakoon was permitted to receive meals from home.

Tennakoon is currently being held at the Dumbara Prison and was remanded until 3 April by the Matara Magistrate in connection with a shooting incident at the W15 hotel in Weligama.

Life behind bars

Tennakoon, meanwhile, it is learnt, is leading a quiet and solitary time at the Dumbara Prison. It is learnt that he is being held on the upper floor in the ‘K’ ward alone in a cell due to security. 

However, he has so far made two requests. One is to receive his meals from his residence while the other is to receive books from the prison library. It is also learnt that Tennakoon has so far read around five books. He is also given newspapers daily and it is believed that he is therefore up to date with current affairs.

As for visitors, it is only Tennakoon’s wife and son who have reportedly visited him in prison.

Statement to CID

Meanwhile, Tennakoon had given a statement to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from the Dumbara Prison and had also cautioned the investigators to keep in mind that every dog had his day (‘kokaata vaarayak enavanam thiththayata devarayak enava’). 

He had recounted some details of the time spent by him until he had appeared at the Matara Court recently. He had said that he had been at his residence in Hokandara one day and had been alone at home. Since he felt lonely and stressed, he had gone to the house in Giriulla in a three-wheeler. The Giriulla house had been locked up since no one had been there at the time. Tennakoon had said that he had jumped over the gate and had entered the house through a window. He had been at the Giriulla house and had travelled around in three-wheelers to get his meals.

Tennakoon had said that it was then that he had heard about a warrant issued on him and that he had then put his clothes in a polythene bag and had come to Matara. Since he had not had any place to stay in Matara, he had stayed at a hotel.

The following day he had got dressed in a full suit and had arrived at the Matara Court. 

However, he had noted that he did not remember details of the three-wheelers he had used, where he had visited to get his meals, or whom he had met during the time between Giriulla and Matara.

NPP’s motion

Meanwhile, a group of ruling JVP/NPP MPs last week handed over a letter to the Speaker of Parliament proposing Tennakoon’s removal as IGP. The letter, signed by 115 MPs of the JVP/NPP, had been handed over to the Speaker on Tuesday (25).

The motion for the removal of Tennakoon was submitted under Section 5 of the Removal of Officers (Procedure) Act No.5 of 2002 and is to be presented to Parliament around 9 or 10 April.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Premadasa has noted that the SJB would support any proposals brought against Tennakoon. 

Premadasa charged during a function last Tuesday that Tennakoon had been appointed as the IGP in violation of the Constitution and that the SJB had opposed the appointment from the outset. He further stated that the former President (Wickremesinghe) and the former Speaker (Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena) had been responsible for appointing Tennakoon to the post of IGP.

Three probes

However, Tennakoon is currently facing three issues – the motion presented to Parliament to initiate the process to remove him from the post of IGP, an investigation into asset accumulation, and the CID probe.

The probe on Tennakoon’s assets under the Money Laundering Act is being carried out by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). The CID is probing Tennakoon’s conduct as the IGP, including the shooting incident at the W15 hotel in Weligama.

Cold war

Nevertheless, the motion presented to Parliament to initiate the process to remove Tennakoon, it is learnt, has started a cold war among senior Police personnel eyeing the post of IGP.

Such a scenario was witnessed prior to Tennakoon’s appointment as IGP as well. Some of the key contenders at the time had visited astrologers in addition to engaging in various activities to invoke the blessings of the gods.