The public questioning of a suspect arrested in Maharagama yesterday, in connection with the murder of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickremasekara, has sparked strong condemnation from President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris and the Professional Web Journalists’ Association. Both parties allege that releasing “voice cuts” of suspects to the media compromises police professionalism and could jeopardize future trials.
President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, in a Facebook post, emphasized that arrests and criminal investigations must strictly adhere to established legal procedures. He described the public interrogation of suspects, the release of their “voice cuts,” and the distribution of these clips through media as “childish acts” that, while appeasing the public, would ultimately hinder the prosecution once a trial commences. He asserted that such actions damage the police department’s image, raise questions about the professionalism of investigators, and bring disrepute to the entire criminal justice system.
The Professional Web Journalists’ Association also issued a statement, observing that the collection of “voice cuts” from arrested suspects, either by force or influence, and their subsequent release to the media, appears to occur with the “blessing” of the Sri Lanka Police itself. The Association highlighted this as a violation of legal and professional principles by law enforcement agencies. They strongly urged the Police Department and the Ministry of Public Security to immediately cease the promotion of such videos, emphasizing that an arrest does not equate to a conviction.
The Association further warned that such publicity undermines the efficiency of investigations and stressed the importance of respecting the fundamental rights of all citizens in law enforcement, as well as maintaining the professionalism of investigations. These statements deliver a clear message that the police must adhere to legal procedures when enforcing the law.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Jagath Withana has launched a scathing attack against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), claiming a public statement made by the IGP has endangered his life and is part of a broader political conspiracy.
Withana stated that he was only made aware of his alleged connections to criminal gangs through the IGP’s media statement. He further revealed that he is listed at number 24 on a report containing various criminals, but emphasized that he is not identified as an accuser in the indictment section of that list.
The MP has raised this matter in Parliament through the Speaker, citing a breach of privilege. He highlighted that the IGP reportedly told him his security was temporary and could be removed at any time, implying that Withana was “the man waiting to be shot.” Withana defiantly declared he would not bow down to anyone and intended to send a message to the political sphere that such actions should not befall him.
Withana questioned the IGP’s motives, suggesting a “business story” was also propagated to tarnish his reputation, for which he intends to pursue legal action. He also speculated whether the attempt to link him with underworld gangs was an effort to achieve indirectly what the police could not, through these criminal elements. “I have only engaged in politics. Is it a crime to do politics?” he questioned.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has strongly condemned the alleged death threat against Kalutara District MP Jagath Withana and the IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya’s related media statements. The party issued a media release asserting that the IGP’s remarks attempt to “turn the complainant into the accused and the victim into a criminal.”
The SJB views the IGP’s indirect statements, which suggest Withana faces threats due to non-political reasons or involvement in illegal or personal actions, as a defamatory attack on a public servant. The party emphasized that the IGP’s responsibility is to accurately state the facts.
The SJB further stated that the IGP’s statements, aligned with the current government’s propaganda plan, cast doubt on the very existence of an independent police force. “In these processes, where the powers of the Independent Police Commission are handed over to the IGP, allowing him to issue statements as he pleases, we see the dark shadow of a repressive police state,” the statement read.
The party affirmed that it would take every possible measure against any attempt to downplay the decision regarding MP Jagath Withana’s security as part of a narrow political agenda, where police operations are turned into media spectacles to suppress real issues. The SJB also highlighted that this danger warrants the attention of all democratic political forces.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is reportedly being fed a new “winning formula” by his self-proclaimed advisors and media strategists. Their latest theory suggests that if Namal Rajapaksa siphons off National People’s Power (NPP) votes, Premadasa will automatically secure the presidency.
Premadasa and Advisors Blamed for Right Camp’s Demise
These same advisors, who accuse President Ranil Wickremesinghe of destroying Sri Lanka’s two-party system, conveniently forget Premadasa’s own role in the southern camp’s downfall. It was Premadasa, they say, who, in an attempt to make Pohottuwa’s Dallas president against Ranil, brought ruin upon both the Right camp and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). While Premadasa takes the blame, it’s an open secret that these so-called advisors and media gurus were the masterminds behind the strategy.
At a time when President Wickremesinghe was striving to stabilize the country, Premadasa reportedly “fled through the back door.” At the same time, SJB economic expert Harsha de Silva took an “extremely irresponsible stance,” declaring the economy beyond recovery. In contrast, President Wickremesinghe moved to stabilize the nation by appointing a capable young team from Pohottuwa (such as Shehan Semasinghe and Kanchana Wijesekera) as cabinet ministers. Therefore, the “crocodile tears” shed by Premadasa and Harsha, who prioritized their political futures over the country’s, have become a mockery.
The Malimawa Vote: A Challenge for Traditional Parties
According to Premadasa’s strategists, weakening the NPP, led by the JVP, requires a left-leaning alternative. They believe this alternative can be forged by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and figures like Wimal Weerawansa. They calculate that as this left-leaning alternative siphons off JVP votes, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya will benefit.
However, Waruna Rajapaksha, an SJB Gampaha electorate organizer, argues that to win over voters disillusioned with the NPP, traditional political parties must practically demonstrate their renewal. He cautions that if traditional parties believe people will flock to them merely out of frustration with the government or the NPP, they are mistaken. He warns that “people who have been burnt by a firebrand, then by a firefly, are not ready to be deceived a third time.”
Political analyst and lecturer in political science, Hemapriya Kaviratne, who recently mentored SJB local government councilors, also emphasizes that people disillusioned with both the NPP and the government are looking for a new political movement. He states that these voters are ready to cast their ballots for a party that can convince them of change, not just in political methodology and appearance, but also in attitudes.
Yet, Premadasa’s advisors and media gurus portray this as an effortless victory for him. It is the responsibility of those who love their country, we say, to collectively defeat Premadasa and Harsha, who thought only of their political ambitions and not of the nation. We are confident that when the NPP’s influence wanes, the presidency will go to a leader who genuinely loves the country, not Premadasa or Harsha, because those disillusioned with the NPP are seeking a fresh alternative.
A new controversy has erupted in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, with former Minister Johnston Fernando being implicated in a contentious ethanol deal, and two Members of Parliament, Chathuranga Abeysinghe and Najith Indika, accused of attempting to broker a deal at the Kingsbury Hotel.
Varuna Rajapaksa has claimed that former Minister Johnston Fernando is behind the “deal” involving Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe’s discussions with an ethanol company at the Kingsbury Hotel. Rajapaksa alleges that Synergy Distilleries, a company he claims is owned by Johnston Fernando, previously acquired a portion of the Payagala Distilleries, which belongs to the Kalutara Cooperative Society, through the intervention of a former Cooperative Minister.
Rajapaksa believes that the new Rs. 100 million deal brought forward by Chathuranga Abeysinghe pertains to the remaining portion of this cooperative institution and its entire business. He further stated that after Abeysinghe was questioned about the deal, the “businessman who brought the deal” was introduced by some as a party activist. Rajapaksa revealed that he has information identifying this businessman as “Johnston of Kurunegala.” He emphasized that these revelations are not mudslinging but an exposure of fraudulent transactions occurring in the country. While he previously held a positive view of Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Rajapaksa now accuses him of resorting to lies and deals, warning that he will reveal more evidence as needed.
Meanwhile, Parliamentarian Hon. Rasamanickam today (22) revealed details in Parliament about a controversial “secret deal” allegedly involving two government ministers. He stated that MPs Chathuranga Abeysinghe and Najith Indika attempted to make a deal with a businessman at the Kingsbury Hotel within the past month.
According to Rasamanickam, this transaction involves the sale of a special licensed distillery located in Payagala, owned by the Kalutara Cooperative Society Limited. He highlighted that this distillery holds a special license, pre-dating 1950, allowing for import and distribution.
Rasamanickam further asserted that he possesses a “Letter of intent to lease and restart the Cooperative Distilleries Society” related to the deal, and that the two MPs took this proposal to the Kingsbury Hotel.
In response, Deputy Minister Najith Indika denied that he or MP Chathuranga Abeysinghe discussed such a deal. However, he admitted to learning about the incident through social media, criticizing the accusation by saying, “Just because someone set up a camera somewhere and made a YouTube video, it cannot be brought to this House irresponsibly.”
Rasamanickam strongly retorted, stating that this is “not just some random thing” and urged the government to immediately examine the CCTV footage from the Kingsbury Hotel to ascertain the truth. He reminded the government that the people gave them a mandate to curb fraud and corruption.
He further suggested that this incident appears to be an attempt to replicate a past instance where a former minister fraudulently sold the bottling section of this distillery on a large scale. Hon. Rasamanickam appealed to Parliament to launch an immediate investigation into the matter.
Popular model and actress Piumi Hansamali was questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for approximately two hours yesterday (21). Police sources indicate that the investigation stems from a photograph discovered on the mobile phone of an individual identified as Kehelbaddara Padme. The photograph reportedly shows Padme alongside Piumi Hansamali and several other well-known actresses.
Police have further confirmed that Padme’s phone also contained several telephone conversations with Piumi Hansamali. Plans are underway to summon the other actresses linked to the photograph for questioning by the CID in the coming days. Law enforcement agencies in the country are currently focused on determining whether any financial transactions occurred between Kehelbaddara Padme and Piumi Hansamali. When questioned about the matter during a cabinet decision briefing, the Police Media Spokesperson stated that an official report would be provided in due course.
Meanwhile, Piumi Hansamali addressed the incident on her official Facebook account, stating that she met Kehelbaddara Padme in Dubai about four years ago, and that he was accompanied by his wife and children when the photograph was taken. She vehemently denied any financial dealings with Kehelbaddara Padme, asserting that she does not need anyone’s illegal “black money.”
Lasantha Wickremasekara, the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, who was recently gunned down by an unidentified assailant, had reportedly sent an official letter to the Inspector General of Police on August 29, stating that his life was under threat. In the letter, he claimed to have received credible information that underworld gangs were attempting to assassinate him and requested that appropriate action be taken.
However, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, addressing Parliament, revealed that despite being a public representative, the deceased chairman was an underworld criminal. According to the Minister, the late ‘Weligama Lasa’ had six pending court cases and had been out on bail after being sentenced to prison. The Minister further stated in Parliament that Wickremasekara had a case related to earning money through drug trafficking, and recent statements from several organized criminals extradited from Indonesia had revealed he possessed weapons.
The Minister emphasized that the murder was a result of an ongoing dispute among underworld gangs and not a direct threat to public safety. He assured that a formal investigation would be conducted, as the government values human life. The Minister added that, regardless of his affiliation with any political party, at the time of his death, Wickremasekara fell into the category of an underworld operative.
In a swift move to inject new dynamism into Sri Lanka’s political landscape, the United National Party (UNP) has created a significant new position, appointing former Minister Harin Fernando as the Deputy Secretary General of Political Mobilization. This decision, according to close party sources, was made with the direct and personal approval of party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, reportedly despite some internal reservations among close confidantes.
Under this new role, Mr. Fernando’s primary responsibility will be to unite all existing political parties in the country, engaging them through a common agenda. He has been entrusted with the crucial task of implementing this strategic initiative aimed at the UNP’s revival. Furthermore, he will oversee the execution of 1,000 organized party meetings. It is believed that leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s disappointment with several prominent party members who failed to effectively contribute to the party’s rejuvenation led to this decisive action.
This appointment firmly positions Harin Fernando as a key player in the United National Party’s ambition to build a broad political front. The UNP leadership is currently planning a wider leadership change, and reports indicate that similar responsibilities are expected to be assigned to other selected political leaders in due course.
Accusations arose from youth leaders and politicians across many districts that the government’s political authority and certain representatives intervened in the selection of district leaders who participated in the National Youth Service Council (NYSC) Youth Convention, thereby politicizing the process. Despite the selection of youth leaders through various methods, the ‘Youth Club’ National Youth Convention, organized by the National Youth Service Council (NYSC), was held on August 12, 2025, at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo, presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The total expenditure incurred by the National Youth Service Council for this massive national program was Rs. 38.8 million (Rs. 38,834,217.64). It is important to conduct a deep financial and administrative investigation into this cost. An analysis of the data provided under the Right to Information Act reveals several significant issues regarding the convention’s financial plan, procurement process, and the mechanism for selecting youth leaders.
Financial Plan and Expenditure Structure of the Convention
According to the information provided by the Youth Service Council, the total expenditure for the National Youth Convention was Rs. 38,834,217.64, allocated under several main categories. The largest share of the total expenditure was allocated for the provision of T-shirts, amounting to eleven million eight hundred twelve thousand five hundred rupees (Rs. 11,812,500.00). This constitutes a substantial 30.42% of the convention’s total cost.
The relevant documents indicate that Rs. 525,000 was spent on refreshments for approximately 200 VIPs, including the President, Ministers, and other dignitaries. This means Rs. 2,625.00 was allocated for the refreshments of a single person in this category. A crucial point here is that despite the President attending the event, he did not participate in this specific refreshment service. An amount of Rs. 536,445.50 was allocated for officials who attended to the event’s duties, an amount similar to the VIP refreshments cost. Furthermore, Rs. 2,196,000 was spent on refreshments for the 7,500 youth and others. Although the exact number of participating youth leaders is not mentioned, as T-shirts were prepared for 7,500, the approximate number of participating youth can be assumed to be close to that figure. Accordingly, the cost for refreshments for the 7,500 youth only amounted to about Rs. 292 per person. The total catering expenses account for only 9.3% of the total expenditure. This amount appears to be extremely high, especially when considering the economic status of the middle-class youth who attend such government programs.
The priority given to allocating more funds for T-shirts (30.42%) compared to direct operational costs such as participant transport (16.92%) and stage/decorations (15.72%) is questionable for a national project aimed at promoting youth participation.
Additionally, Rs. 1,207,606.14 was spent on “Other” expenses (printing, chairs/huts, video animation, language translation kits, announcements/translations, essential services, officer travel expenses/overtime), which is 3.11% of the total expenditure.
Expense Item
Amount (Rs.)
Percentage of Total Cost (%)
T-Shirts
11,812,500.00
30.42%
Participant Transport Costs
6,570,020.00
16.92%
Stage, Decorations, Lighting
6,105,000.00
15.72%
Food
4,852,465.00
12.49%
Sound Services
3,200,000.00
8.24%
Refreshments (Catering)
3,257,445.50
8.39%
Flags and Banners
1,274,400.00
3.28%
Fuel
459,781.00
1.18%
Other (Printing, Chairs/Huts, Video Animation, Language Translation Kits, Announcements/Translations, Essential Services, Officer Travel Expenses/Overtime)
1,207,606.14
3.11%
Total
38,834,217.64
100.00%
Difference in Refreshment Costs Among VIPs, Officials, and Participants
The total Refreshments and Catering cost of Rs. 3,257,445.50 appears to be calculated separately from the “Food” expense (Rs. 4,852,465.00). A separate analysis of this refreshment cost warrants attention to the cost management policy that was followed.
Approximately 200 persons (President did not participate)
Officials who attended to the event’s duties
536,445.50
Officials
Youth and others (excluding the above)
2,196,000.00
Youth and Others
Total
3,257,445.50
Rs. 11.8 Million for T-Shirts
The most prominent issue is that nearly one-third (30.42%) of the total expenditure was spent on providing T-shirts for the participating youth. While the procurement process for the 7,500 T-shirts—the largest single expense of the convention (Rs. 11,812,500.00)—was confirmed to have been conducted through a tender process, internal sources at the Youth Service Council indicate that an audit is currently underway due to concerns over its transparency. Furthermore, participants stated that the T-shirts could not be provided to all youth on the same day, but were distributed on several occasions.
Tenders were called for the production of 7,500 T-shirts, and the contract was awarded to CHAYA TEX, which bid to supply them at Rs. 1,575 per unit. The documents show that the tender process was fully executed, but the lack of an open statement regarding the price differences between the financial decision and the bid evaluation tables challenges transparency.
For instance, Captain Promotion submitted a bid of Rs. 1,750, while Cosmos Sports submitted a price of Rs. 1,375. However, with an additional 18% VAT, the price for Cosmos Sports’ T-shirt would be Rs. 1,622. The price of the finally selected company, CHAYA TEX, was Rs. 1,575.
Information provided by the National Youth Service Council reveals that a Departmental Procurement Committee managed the tender process under the Procurement Guidelines (2.11.3), and quotations were sought through supplier registries and ‘Rainbow Pages,’ with four institutions submitting prices. Accordingly, the Procurement Board approved the proposal by CHAYA TEX (Pannipitiya, Hokandara Road) to supply 7,500 T-shirts at a rate of Rs. 1,575.00 per unit, for a total of Rs. 11,812,500.00.
Analysis of the Tender Price Table:
Institution
Price per Unit (Rs.)
Total Price (Excl. VAT – Rs.)
Total Price (Incl. VAT – Rs.)
Captain Promotion
1,750.00
13,125,000.00
15,487,500.00
Cosmos Sports Solutions (PVT) Ltd
1,375.00
10,312,500.00
12,168,750.00
Vilka Apparels
1,845.00
–
–
CHAYA TEX
1,575.00
11,812,500.00
–
District-Level Activities and Leader Selection
It is reported that the National Youth Service Council did not directly provide funds for the “Youth Club” District Conventions held at the district level. This implies that if district-level meetings or conventions were held, the expenses might have been covered by other organizations, sponsors, or the Youth Club boards established in the respective districts. However, it is revealed that Rs. 4.9 million (Rs. 4,938,450.00) was spent on election-related activities for selecting youth leaders in 337 Divisional Secretariat areas. The NYSC states that representatives were selected for the National Board from the District Boards, who were in turn selected from the Regional Boards, which comprised executive officers of the grass-roots level Youth Clubs. The opportunity to attend the “Youth Club” National Convention was granted to the executive officers of the National Board, District Boards, Regional Boards, and Youth Clubs.
While the “Youth Club” Convention brought together the nation’s youth, severe criticism was leveled by the youth leaders themselves, who claimed it was not aimed at genuine youth policy development but rather at serving the political objectives of those in power. Therefore, the Rs. 38.8 million “Youth Club” National Youth Convention appears to have been reduced to a mere publicity and exhibition exercise, rather than one focused on policy development for the common advancement of the youth generation. The money spent on such events would be far more effective if invested in training programs or technological innovation initiatives that would contribute to the future well-being of the youth.
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is grappling with severe internal conflicts as its Anuradhapura District Leader, MP Rohana Bandara, along with all district organizers, has temporarily withdrawn from party organizational activities and vowed to boycott all meetings attended by party leader Sajith Premadasa. This decisive action stems from alleged interference by the party headquarters in the appointment of councilors to the Anuradhapura Municipal Council.
The controversy ignited when MP Rohana Bandara proposed a list of names for the Anuradhapura Municipal Council, which included former Municipal Councilor and Opposition Leader, Indika Aruna Kumara. However, this proposal, forwarded to Party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, saw Indika Aruna Kumara’s name removed and replaced by another individual. In protest of this move, District Manager Nihal Kodithuwakku has resigned. This internal crisis has led Rohana Bandara, Suranga Ratnayake, and all other organizers to collectively decide on a temporary hiatus from party activities.
Concurrently, reports indicate a significant exodus of disillusioned activists from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s (JVP) “Malimawa” political stream. This group, previously dedicated to Malimawa and comprising professionals and entrepreneurs, has concluded that the political movement is “a failure.” Rejecting traditional political figures, these individuals are seeking a new political movement that aligns with the modern era, offering policies relevant to contemporary challenges and fostering dialogue around their proposals.
Political Challenge for the Opposition
According to political analysts, for traditional parties, including the SJB, to win over the significant number of votes (estimated at 1.5-2 million in the next election) exiting Malimawa, they must practically demonstrate their renewed relevance. It is emphasized that assuming people will align with them simply out of disillusionment with the government or Malimawa is a “misconception.”
A heated political dispute between Deputy Minister of Industries Chathuranga Abeysinghe, a young representative of the current government, and former Provincial Council Member Waruna Rajapaksha, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Gampaha electorate organizer, has escalated. Rajapaksha has leveled serious accusations against Abeysinghe regarding a “hidden business transaction” involving a “Rs. 100 million investment” that Abeysinghe allegedly failed to disclose, linked to a discussion at the Kingsbury Hotel.
Why Was the Rs. 100 Million Ethanol Deal Concealed?
While Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated he met three investors at the Kingsbury Hotel, Waruna Rajapaksha alleges that a fourth party and a deal involving an ethanol company were deliberately concealed. According to information presented by Rajapaksha, there is written evidence of discussions with an entity named “YG Holdings” regarding an ethanol company. This transaction reportedly proposed a “Rs. 100 million investment” to repair machinery and settle outstanding debts of the company.
Rajapaksha publicly questioned why discussions concerning a business owned by a cooperative society were held in a hotel lobby over coffee, rather than at the Minister’s office.
“High Octane” Lifestyle: Where Does the Income Come From?
Amidst these transaction allegations, Waruna Rajapaksha has also directly questioned Chathuranga Abeysinghe’s “personal lifestyle.” He pointed out that the Deputy Minister holds memberships at high-end gyms like “High Octane” and spends a significant amount, “Rs. 3,700 per day,” on a trainer. Rajapaksha publicly inquired about the source of income to cover these exorbitant expenses, questioning the true nature of young leaders who came to “uproot weeds and plant flowers.”
Lawsuits for Waruna? Or Chathuranga? The Minister’s Hearing Story.
Waruna Rajapaksha emphasized that he is unafraid of threats to sue him and is prepared to present further evidence. He also revealed that he has received information that “another group is preparing to file a lawsuit” against Chathuranga Abeysinghe for breaking promises regarding unfair enforcement of the law. He concluded that it will become clear with time whether “lawsuits will be filed against Waruna Rajapaksha or Chathuranga Abeysinghe.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that his senior minister, Sunil Handunnetti, “suffers from a hearing impairment” and uses a battery-operated “hearing aid.” Despite having arm and leg injuries, Abeysinghe noted on his social media account that Handunnetti is making a tremendous commitment to a transformative era in the Ministry of Industries, disregarding any obstacles. Analysts believe this post can be considered a unique allusion to abilities and strengths within politics and activism, and a slow but strategic move to “pat the ear.”
