By: Isuru Parakrama

October 07, Colombo (LNW): Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of the election monitor People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), has called on political parties and candidates to uphold peace and integrity during the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Speaking as the nomination process nears its conclusion, Hettiarachchi stressed the significance of continuing the peaceful environment observed during the recent presidential election.

“The nomination period for parliamentary elections is currently ongoing and will wrap up by the end of this week. We firmly believe it is possible to conduct these elections in a peaceful manner,” he said.

Hettiarachchi highlighted that the last presidential election was one of the most tranquil in the nation’s electoral history, setting a precedent that should be emulated during this next phase.

He further urged all political parties, independent candidates, and their supporters to act responsibly and avoid any form of violence or unrest, ensuring the parliamentary election reflects the same calm and civility as the presidential race.

He pointed out that the peaceful nature of the last election is a testament to what can be achieved when political figures and their supporters commit to respecting democratic processes.

Beyond this appeal for peaceful conduct, PAFFREL also emphasised the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness throughout the election process.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 07, Colombo (LNW): Former Chief of State Intelligence Nilantha Jayawardena issued a formal apology to the Supreme Court this (07) afternoon for his delay in paying the compensation related to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

His apology came during a personal appearance before the court, following the failure to meet the originally stipulated deadline.

Jayawardena’s legal counsel, President’s Counsel Chandaka Jayasundara, confirmed to the court that his client has now fully settled the outstanding Rs. 65 million.

This final payment concludes the total compensation of Rs. 75 million, which was ordered by the court due to Jayawardena’s failure to act on prior intelligence warnings regarding the attacks.

An initial payment of Rs. 10 million had already been made earlier, leaving the Rs. 65 million now cleared.

The court’s ruling stems from multiple fundamental rights petitions filed by victims and families affected by the Easter Sunday bombings, which occurred on April 21, 2019 and claimed over 270 lives.

These petitions sought accountability for the failure to act on intelligence that could have potentially prevented the attacks.

The case was heard before a distinguished seven-member bench, including Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and Justices Murdu Fernando, S. Thurairaja, A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Kumuduni Wickramasinghe, Shiran Gunaratne, and Achala Wengappuli.

Jayawardena’s failure to respond to critical intelligence prior to the attacks was highlighted as a key lapse, with the court mandating this substantial compensation as a form of redress for the victims.

With this final payment, Jayawardena’s legal obligations in relation to this case are now fulfilled.

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By: Isuru Parakrama

October 07, Colombo (LNW): Kanishka Wijeratne, the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), has agreed to resign from his position, following a Supreme Court hearing today (07).

This decision comes after the court granted leave to proceed with three Fundamental Rights (FR) applications challenging his appointment to the role.

The applications, filed by various parties, raised concerns regarding the legality and appropriateness of Wijeratne’s appointment.

As a result, the Supreme Court deemed it necessary to consider these challenges, permitting the cases to move forward.

During the proceedings, Wijeratne offered an undertaking to step down from his post, thereby addressing one of the key demands raised in the petitions.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 07, Colombo (LNW): The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is preparing to file indictments against two former ministers from the previous administration for their inability to account for the acquisition of substantial assets, sources disclosed.

This development forms part of a broader investigation into allegations of corruption among high-ranking officials and political figures.

According to reports, the Commission’s investigation extends beyond the former ministers to include individuals within their inner circles.

Notably, a former minister’s personal driver is under scrutiny after reportedly purchasing a luxury house and land in Cinnamon Gardens, a prime and highly coveted area.

The Bribery Commission is closely examining the legitimacy of such an acquisition, as the financial means of the driver seem inconsistent with the value of the property.

In addition to these investigations, the Commission is set to launch legal proceedings to freeze assets belonging to seven individuals.

This group includes politicians, public officials, and military officers, all of whom are suspected of amassing significant properties under suspicious circumstances.

The inquiry has focused on whether these assets could have been obtained through legitimate earnings, and initial findings suggest that the individuals in question could not have accumulated such wealth based on their standard salaries.

Investigators have discovered that explanations provided by some of the accused — often claiming that properties were gifted by family members or relatives — have proven to be unfounded.

These claims have raised further suspicion regarding the origins of the assets. Moreover, the investigation has been hindered by the reluctance of several politicians to fully cooperate with authorities, with some reportedly avoiding providing official statements to assist in the ongoing probes.

The Bribery Commission’s efforts to tackle corruption are expected to escalate as it moves towards freezing the properties in question.

The measure to crackdown aims to prevent the dissipation of assets whilst investigations continue, ensuring that any ill-gotten gains remain within reach of law enforcement agencies.

By: Isuru Parakrama

October 07, Colombo (LNW): During a visit to St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo, an impassioned survivor of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks confronted President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, expressing deep frustration over the lack of justice for victims.

The individual accused the authorities of failing to act on advance warnings of the tragic events and suggested that all politicians had prior knowledge of the impending attacks.

He also confronted the President whether he can bring back his parents and his child, who lost their lives due to the massacre.

The exchange occurred when the victim had the opportunity to address the President directly during a discussion on the ongoing efforts to seek accountability for the Easter attacks, which devastated Sri Lanka on 21 April 2019.

The victim’s anger underscored the mounting public sentiment that justice had not been adequately served.

In response, President Dissanayake categorically pointed out that not all politicians were aware of the warnings. He explained that only the security personnel assigned to high-profile political figures had received intelligence about a potential attack.

He further emphasised that neither he nor his fellow party members in Parliament at the time had benefited from such enhanced security measures, highlighting the disparity in protection provided.

The President then outlined his government’s approach to delivering justice, stressing a threefold path to resolution.

First, he noted the importance of completing thorough investigations to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attacks.

Dissanayake committed to ensuring that those behind the violence would face legal repercussions.

Secondly, the President highlighted the necessity of taking proactive steps to prevent any recurrence of such an atrocity. He stressed the importance of improving security measures and addressing any vulnerabilities in the country’s defences to protect the public.

Lastly, President Dissanayake acknowledged that if political interference or systemic failures were found to have contributed to the attacks, it would be essential to reform the political structure itself. He pointed out that such reform must be achieved through political means, as governance and policy changes are intrinsically tied to the political system.

Without addressing these structural issues, he warned, the system would remain flawed and open to future crises.

The President’s remarks, whilst outlining a clear path forward, also underscored the complexities surrounding the pursuit of justice for the Easter Sunday attacks.

For many survivors and their families, the ongoing delays and political entanglements have only added to their anguish, leaving them demanding more urgent and transparent action from the authorities.

October 07, Colombo (LNW): A significant number of Members of Parliament (MPs) from Sri Lanka’s now-dissolved ninth Parliament have chosen to step away from politics, citing reasons ranging from age, health concerns, and the shifting political environment.

This decision, affecting veteran political figures, comes in the wake of a drastically altered political landscape following the recent Presidential election.

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s post-independence history, the National People’s Power (NPP), a party outside the traditional political establishment, secured the presidency.

This result signals a potential shift in parliamentary power as the country approaches its General Election on 14 November.

The rise of the NPP has unsettled long-standing political dynamics, leading several MPs to reconsider their futures in politics.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), which previously held a parliamentary majority, has refused to offer nominations to MPs who distanced themselves from the party ahead of the Presidential election.

As a result, many of these MPs are now seeking alternative political alliances as the election approaches.

In addition, some prominent figures from the SLPP, including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his brother Chamal Rajapaksa, Gamini Lokuge, and Ali Sabry, have decided not to contest this time.

Chamal Rajapaksa has confirmed his retirement, with his son, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, standing as a candidate for the SLPP from the Moneragala District.

Meanwhile, Ali Sabry explained that he had always intended to serve only one term and would now return to his legal practice.

Other long-serving MPs, such as Vasudeva Nanayakkara, have opted out due to health reasons, whilst Bandula Gunawardane also announced his decision to step back.

Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe remains uncertain about whether to contest in the upcoming election.

The trend extends beyond the SLPP, with Lakshman Kiriella, a representative of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), likely to pass the political baton to his daughter, Chamindrani Kiriella, who intends to contest in the Kandy District.

Veteran politicians such as Prof. Tissa Vitharana and A.H.M. Fowzie have also decided to withdraw from the parliamentary race, marking the end of an era for many familiar faces in Sri Lankan politics.