August 24, Colombo (LNW): Speaking at a public event on the 23rd, National People’s Power (NPP) MP Jagath Manuwarna underscored the importance of maintaining judicial independence in the wake of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe being placed in remand custody.
Manuwarna asserted that the legal action was a decision made by the judiciary alone, without any external political interference.
Addressing the media, the MP reflected on the NPP’s core promise made during their campaign — that the rule of law would be upheld equally for all, regardless of their status. He emphasised that the judiciary’s move against the former president was a reflection of that principle, not a politically motivated act.
“This is not a matter of government ability or inability,” Manuwarna stated. “We pledged before coming into office that the law would be enforced fairly, and we meant it. This is a legal matter, not a political vendetta. The judiciary has been empowered to operate independently, and it is fulfilling its role. If anyone is accused of wrongdoing, whether weak or powerful, the appropriate institutions — the police, the Criminal Investigation Department, the Bribery Commission, and the courts — must take action within the law. That is what is happening now.”
The MP did not mince words in his criticism of Wickremesinghe’s legacy, suggesting that the former president ascended to office through undemocratic means following the ousting of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Manuwarna described Wickremesinghe’s rise as lacking a public mandate and said the country continued to suffer under the consequences of mismanagement during his tenure.
“Let’s be honest. If he had truly rebuilt the nation, we wouldn’t still be facing the kind of economic devastation we are today,” he said. “The public continues to bear the brunt of that failure. Meanwhile, it has been alleged that vast sums of public money were squandered during that period — in a country that was already declared bankrupt. If those responsible are not held accountable, that would be a grave injustice to the people.”
Manuwarna reiterated that the current government, though relatively new in power, is committed to reducing corruption and unnecessary public spending. He cited examples such as cutting back on excessive privileges previously enjoyed by politicians, stating that government leaders are now working with limited resources in an effort to set an example.
“We have begun the difficult task of trimming state excesses — not just symbolically, but meaningfully,” he said. “Everyone, from the President to the Prime Minister, is operating with minimum facilities. This is not about austerity for show, but about a genuine commitment to restoring public trust.”
In closing, Manuwarna reaffirmed that the NPP-led administration is acting within the democratic mandate it received — to guide the country out of crisis, not to misuse power. He noted that the law must be allowed to take its course, and that institutions must be given the space to function without political meddling.
“We were not elected to carry out witch hunts or personal vendettas. We were entrusted with rebuilding a nation. That requires letting legal institutions do their work — and they are now doing exactly that.”
