by Our Correspondent in Colombo
Former President Maithripala Sirisena has stated that there are thieves in every government, intensifying ongoing discussions about corruption and accountability in Sri Lanka’s political system. Referring to the Central Bank fraud case during his presidency, he noted that a commission appointed at the time did not produce meaningful outcomes, despite being led by Supreme Court judges. Sirisena further said he is willing to extend his support as a former president if investigations into the matter are resumed. He made these remarks during a media interaction today.
In a separate development, reports indicate growing dissatisfaction within the ruling coalition, where 12 Members of Parliament have written to the Malama Party headquarters in Pelawatte highlighting shortcomings in governance and requesting corrective action. The group reportedly includes two cabinet ministers, three deputy ministers, and around seven backbench MPs, with two currently overseas. Party sources suggest that a key concern among these lawmakers is the significant reduction in personal income compared to their previous professional careers.
These MPs are described as professionals who entered politics through the National People’s Power, known in Sinhala as the Jathika Jana Balawegaya, rather than traditional political activism. They include former university lecturers, senior defense sector professionals, lawyers, doctors, and others who joined the ruling alliance from diverse professional backgrounds. Their expression of concern is being viewed as a sign of growing unease among educated professionals within the governing setup.
Meanwhile, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has claimed that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has a major plan to regain power in the New Year, suggesting that a political shift may take place soon. Speaking at a party meeting held at the SLPP headquarters on Nelum Mawatha, he said this year’s May Day, which falls on a Poya day, will be marked with religious observances instead of a rally, during which he plans to observe penance. Rajapaksa also stated that while the New Year represents a victory for him, the outcome for the government remains uncertain, adding that rising living costs have prevented people from celebrating the festive season as usual.
