The United National Party (UNP) has strongly condemned the arrest of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
In a statement, the UNP alleged that the arrest appears to be an attempt to disrupt a public rally organized by the SLPP, scheduled to be held in Anuradhapura on September 12 under the leadership of Rajapaksa.
The UNP stressed that Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the SLPP’s National Organiser, has the same democratic right as National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake to travel across the country and address public gatherings.
The party said that depriving political leaders of such rights would not be acceptable in a modern and civilized society. It added that such actions are particularly likely to face strong opposition from the Gen Z generation.
The UNP further claimed that the arrest reflects what it described as the NPP government’s growing political vulnerability amid declining public support.
The party also emphasized that the popularity of political leaders cannot be reduced through arrests or similar measures, arguing that public support is ultimately determined by the people.
The arrest has drawn political attention as Sri Lanka’s opposition parties continue to debate the government’s handling of corruption investigations and the rights of political actors to conduct public activities.
