Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe says opposition members joining the government must face the law if accused of corruption—no political deals, no immunity, just accountability.
Mahinda Jayasinghe: Opposition Defectors Welcome, But “No Forgiveness for Thieves”
Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe has made it clear those crossing over to support the government will not be shielded from justice if they have corruption allegations against them.
Speaking to the media, Jayasinghe stated that a significant number of opposition party members in local government institutions across Sri Lanka are now aligning with the government’s development agenda. He attributes this wave of support to their growing confidence in the government’s programs and their desire to act based on conscience rather than obeying political commands from above.
“They are no longer following the top-down orders from leaders like Sajith or Namal. They’re doing what they feel is right for the people,” he said.
However, Jayasinghe was firm in his stance on accountability:
“Even if they join us, there is no forgiveness for thieves. If they are corrupt, the law will deal with them.”
He emphasized that no secret deals or party pacts exist behind these political shifts, and reiterated that the administration remains committed to transparency and legal integrity.
This strong statement appears to be a warning to opportunistic defectors attempting to escape scrutiny under the guise of loyalty. Jayasinghe’s comments are likely aimed at quelling public skepticism over whether crossovers are merely political survival moves to avoid legal consequences.
As party realignments continue in the run-up to upcoming elections, Jayasinghe’s message doubles as a campaign of both invitation and caution: “Support the people but don’t expect a free pass.”
