Nalinda Jayatissa Criticises UNP Response Over Remanding of Namal Rajapaksa
Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has condemned the United National Party (UNP) over its response to the recent remanding of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa, accusing the opposition party of shielding individuals linked to corruption charges.
Speaking on the matter, Jayatissa pointed out that Rajapaksa being placed in remand custody is not unprecedented, recalling that the parliamentarian had been remanded on multiple previous occasions during Ranil Wickremesinghe's tenure as Prime Minister.
The minister noted that "Namal Rajapaksa being accused or remanded is nothing unusual. This is not the first time he has been remanded." He explained that the ongoing case stems from an investigation initiated several years ago, which gained momentum following the election of the current administration.
According to Jayatissa, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption probed an alleged Rs. 100 million bribe tied to an Airbus transaction before submitting its findings to the judiciary. He emphasised that the court alone determined the remand order based on facts presented by the commission following due legal process.
Criticising the UNP's formal statement following the court order, Jayatissa remarked that the party's reaction reflects its current political alignment, suggesting that even long-standing UNP loyalists and party workers would find the stance surprising.
The minister alleged that the UNP is aligning itself with figures implicated in financial crimes and corruption, noting that several personalities linked to the party are confronting legal inquiries. He concluded that individuals facing similar accusations have unified to challenge law enforcement actions through media statements and press briefings, while reiterating that all investigative and remanding procedures are strictly conducted within the framework of the courts.
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