A No-Confidence Motion Should Be Brought Against Minister Ananda Wijepala; Premnath C. Dolawatte

26-Oct-2025

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There is a great responsibility placed upon the opposition within Parliament. A no-confidence motion should be brought against the Minister of Public Security. The Minister of Public Security, who has failed to ensure the citizens’ right to life, is unfit to hold his position, former Member of Parliament Premnath C. Dolawatte stated.

Speaking at a press conference held in Colombo, he further said:

At present, the lives of politicians who hold policies opposing the government are under serious threat. Not only are they receiving death threats, but they are also being linked to underworld gangs.

Even after the killing of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha (Local Council) Chairman, a Cabinet Minister has insulted him by connecting him to underworld gangs. Such accusations are attempts to justify his murder. At present, United People’s Power (SJB) MP Jagath Witharana has also received death threats.

Why is the government acting so indifferently regarding the safety of opposition political representatives? Is the government’s goal to eliminate all opposition and establish a one-party rule?

There are serious responsibilities placed upon the opposition in Parliament. A no-confidence motion should be brought against the Minister of Public Security, who is a Cabinet Minister.

If someone is shot dead, the Minister has no moral right to say that the victim was connected to the underworld. It is the government’s duty to guarantee every citizen’s right to life.

If those connected to the underworld have no right to live, then why are suspects under arrest brought to court under heavy protection? According to the legal framework of this country, punishment can only be imposed by law. Although the penal code defines how the death penalty should be implemented, it is not enforced in policy terms in our country.

Even in a humane nation that does not implement the death penalty, no one has the right to shoot and kill another. The law of the land is supreme over all. The government must act with greater responsibility and concern in matters of national security.

We urge the government not to use the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for political purposes or to exert pressure on him, but instead to allow him to operate independently.

At present, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) seems to exist only to track down and arrest those who defame ruling party members on social media. That is not the duty of the CID. Criminal law has now turned into civil law. Spreading defamation on social media is not a criminal offense punishable under criminal law. Political interference in the police service must be entirely eliminated.

I reiterate that the opposition parties in Parliament must take steps to submit a no-confidence motion against the Minister of Public Security, who is responsible for ensuring the safety of the citizens, he said.