SLPP says Namal’s arrest aims to suppress anti-government sentiment

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has described the arrest and remand of its National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) as a “serious attack” on the country’s democratic process and an act of political retaliation by the government.

In a statement issued today (05) under the signature of SLPP General Secretary, Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam, the party alleged that the government had ordered the arrest out of fear of the growing public support for a major political rally scheduled to be held in Anuradhapura on September 12.

According to the SLPP, the rally had been organised under the leadership of Namal Rajapaksa and was expected to draw significant public support. The party alleged that the government had taken action against Rajapaksa in response to the rally’s growing popularity.

The SLPP further claimed that the arrest was based on an unreliable statement obtained in Australia from an individual facing criminal allegations, who, according to the party, had previously made contradictory statements to the police and courts on several occasions.

The party said it categorically rejects all allegations against Namal Rajapaksa.

The SLPP also maintained that the anti-corruption laws introduced while it was in government were intended to combat corruption and were not enacted to enable the misuse of state institutions to suppress political opponents.

Despite Rajapaksa being remanded, the party said that the government could not suppress his political vision or the public movement supporting him.

The SLPP stated that the September 12 mass rally in Anuradhapura would go ahead as planned and would be held with even greater strength.

The party also called on its supporters to gather in Anuradhapura on September 12 and peacefully voice their opposition to what it described as the government’s “anti-democratic” conduct.