Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Namal Rajapaksa, eldest son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has challenged the government to present evidence of wrongdoing against him or his brother, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, in court rather than turning it into a public spectacle through media shows.
Speaking to the press following Yoshitha’s court hearing, Namal accused the government of using his family as scapegoats instead of addressing the country’s pressing issues. He also alleged that members of the current administration are involved in illegal land acquisitions, with ongoing court cases against them, and insisted that the law must be applied equally to all.
“The law is not a political tool; it should serve justice impartially. If there is any wrongdoing, prove it in court,” Namal said, criticizing what he described as politicization of legal proceedings.
He further claimed that his criticism of the government in Parliament had led to retaliatory actions against his brother, with Yoshitha’s recent arrest being part of what he called a “media spectacle.” Namal accused the government of wasting public funds on such displays rather than focusing on the country’s challenges.
Referring to public grievances, Namal criticized the government’s failures, saying, “We didn’t turn ‘Coconut Sambola’ into a national crime or blame dogs and cats for a rice shortage. Those who made such absurd statements should question their own failures.”
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who was arrested on January 25 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in connection with a land ownership case, was released on bail today (27) by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. His arrest had drawn significant public and media attention.
Namal concluded by reiterating his demand for fair legal proceedings, urging the government to prioritize governance over targeted attacks on political opponents.
