Janabala Collective Criticises Opposition and Defends Government’s Legal and Investigative Actions

Members of the Janabala Collective expressed their views on the government’s actions and recent legal proceedings at a media briefing.

Speaking at the briefing, Chamara Haththotuwa, a member of the organisation’s Executive Committee, said that since the current government came to power, they had not witnessed journalists being assaulted on the streets.

He said investigative institutions had been strengthened and that the government had focused on strengthening the investigative process.

“Instead of attacking media institutions or targeting political activists, we have seen the judicial process being strengthened,” he said.

Haththotuwa also criticised the opposition, saying that those who previously questioned whether the government would arrest individuals accused of wrongdoing were now protesting when legal action was being taken.

He questioned the claim that the judiciary was acting according to the government’s wishes, asking how former minister Udaya Gammanpila could have been acquitted if that were the case.

Kalyanananda Perera, another Executive Committee member, said the government was working in the interests of the people. Referring to Namal Rajapaksa, he said that having two cases against him should be sufficient and that no further cases should be filed.

Meanwhile, Chandana Ariyadasa, an Executive Committee member, referred to a court ruling ordering former minister A.H.M. Fowzie to pay a fine. He also described former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s statement that he did not remember certain matters as ironic.

Vidarshana Kannangara, another Executive Committee member, alleged that Namal Rajapaksa had received bribes in connection with the Krish transaction. He said the ongoing legal proceedings were based on evidence.

Kannangara also made allegations concerning the Rajapaksa family, including claims of corruption and the impact of alleged wrongdoing on Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.

He further alleged that a wave of criminal activity had been carried out during the previous administration and made claims concerning the deaths of individuals, including Lalith Kumar Weeraraju and Kugan Muruganandan.

Kannangara also criticised Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s conduct and made allegations concerning Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero and individuals he described as contract criminals.