The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has described the arrest and remand of its National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) as a “serious attack” on the democratic process and an act of political revenge by the Government.
In a media statement issued today (05) under the signature of SLPP General Secretary Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam, the party alleged that the arrest was linked to the growing popularity of a major public rally scheduled to be held in Anuradhapura on September 12, which was being organized under Rajapaksa’s leadership.
The SLPP claimed that the Government had become concerned over the strong public response to the rally and had therefore proceeded with Rajapaksa’s arrest.
The party also alleged that the arrest was based on an unreliable statement obtained in Australia from an individual who has faced criminal allegations and had previously made contradictory statements to the police and courts.
The SLPP said it categorically rejects all allegations against Namal Rajapaksa.
The party further stated that anti-corruption laws were introduced during its tenure to combat corruption and not to enable the misuse of state institutions to suppress political opponents.
Despite Rajapaksa’s remand, the SLPP said his political vision and the support of the people cannot be suppressed.
The party confirmed that the Anuradhapura public rally scheduled for September 12 will go ahead as planned and will be held with even greater strength.
It also called on supporters to gather in Anuradhapura on September 12 and peacefully voice their opposition to what it described as the Government’s anti-democratic conduct.
