New People’s Front leader Sugeeshwara Bandara accuses Bribery Commission Director General Ranga Dissanayake of murder threats and intimidation, demanding his immediate removal as the fifth phase of a massive signature campaign demanding justice for Suresh Saliya unfolds in Kaduwela.
The fifth phase of the public signature campaign demanding justice for Suresh Saliya commenced this morning near the Kaduwela bus stand, with blessings and chanting from the Maha Sangha led by Venerable Kirigalpoththa Chandrananda Thero and Venerable Kelaniya Saddaseela Thero, the Deputy Secretary and Galle District Leader of the New People’s Front respectively. Former Minister Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara, former Member of Parliament and Attorney Premnath C. Dolawatta, former Member of Parliament Jagath Kumara, and opposition members of the Kaduwela Municipal Council were among those who added their signatures in support.
Addressing the media, New People’s Front leader Sugeeshwara Bandara stated that by the fifth phase, the campaign has received overwhelming public support, with people from villages and towns continuously inviting the program to their areas. He said this enthusiasm reflects public dissatisfaction with the government.
“We tell the President that if there is any scientific evidence regarding Suresh Saliya, present it to the court. We will not oppose that. But we will not allow him to be killed slowly without air in a dark room, without food or drink, through baseless stories and fairy tales. If this oppressive campaign continues, the people are ready to extend the signature campaign from one hundred thousand to one million signatures,” Bandara said.
He further criticized the police force, claiming it has been completely politicized. “The police in this country are already engaged in politics. This police force is led by Ananda Wijepala, who is filled with vengeful anger. He has two disciples, Ravi Seneviratne and Shani Abeysekara, who were rejected by the public for their political activities. Today, the Police Chief and the entire police force have been politicized. They are not wearing the Dharmachakra today; they are wearing the Malimawa, the emblem of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, on their uniforms. Therefore, public trust in the police has been shattered.”
Bandara raised serious allegations against the Bribery Commission Director General. “What power does the Director General of the Bribery Commission, Ranga Dissanayake, have to threaten and intimidate a witness to the point of death? He already faces murder allegations. According to the affidavit, Kapila Chandrasena states that the death of the Minister Keheliya’s brother-in-law involved threats, and Ranga Dissanayake is implicated in that death. Similarly, the death of Nandana Gunathilaka, who revealed powerful information as a member of the legal committee, is suspicious. Through an affidavit, Kapila Chandrasena has revealed these threats to the country, and his life is now in danger. Therefore, we request this government to provide him with necessary protection from prison.”
Bandara called on the government to launch a special investigation. “This is not a trivial statement. It is a statement given under oath to a magistrate. We tell the government, we tell the President, please initiate a special investigation into this matter. Examine the CCTV systems. While this investigation is ongoing, Ranga Dissanayake should be suspended from duties and removed from service. If he is found guilty, he must be arrested. Mr. President, do not come to Parliament to defend Ranga Dissanayake. By now, he has already covered himself in filth. So we ask you to stop washing him.”
He also criticized the government’s handling of the energy crisis. “There is no gas in the country, no fuel, and electricity cuts are coming soon. There is no proper plan to address this. But the President keeps coming to Parliament to wash. With all this washing, these infant ministers are drowning. The President goes and washes. With all this washing, the President has to go to Parliament every day, not just once a week. It is not just Sri Lankan history; the President will earn the honor of being the head of state who has gone to Parliament the most times in world history. Because he has so much washing to do. He goes to Parliament to wash away Kumara Jayakody’s coal scam. He goes to Parliament to wash away his inability to bring fuel and gas. He goes to Parliament to wash away the security agreements made with America. He goes to Parliament to wash away the container morgue. Therefore, the President is in great difficulty today. He is not the President of this country today. He has been forced to portray the character of someone who washes clothes.”
Bandara mocked the government’s price formula. “The President introduced a price formula. But those who laughed at and mocked that formula, those who laughed at the QR code system, those who laughed at odd even number plates, are now taking refuge in the same things. If this country can be saved by any of the good things from the past 76 years, we are willing. But the President introduced a new price formula. The President said that if the dollar increases by one rupee, fuel prices could be increased by two rupees and fuel could be supplied. If so, the price of a barrel of crude oil on the world market is 110 rupees. That means it could be supplied at 220 rupees. If it is 120, it could be supplied at 240 rupees. If the supply charge is 30 rupees, it could be supplied at 250 rupees. Therefore, according to the President, there is a surplus in the country’s Treasury. The Treasury is filled with tax money. The Treasury is filled with money from selling vehicles from the President’s Office and the Prime Minister’s Office. So there is plenty of money in the Treasury. We respectfully ask the President to please use that money to supply fuel at 250 rupees without imposing taxes.”
