Country Under Police Repression: Samagi Jana Balawegaya

30-Oct-2025

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has expressed deep concern that the country is sliding into police repression, as powers of the Independent Police Commission have been transferred to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), who is now issuing politically driven statements.

In a statement, the SJB said:

“Our attention has been drawn to the IGP’s media release regarding the security provided to MP Jagath Withana of the Kalutara District, following alleged death threats. While claiming that the threats were non-political, the IGP has failed to reveal the true reasons behind them.

Such indirect statements insult members of Parliament engaged in public service. This attempt to cast suspicion on both the complainant and the victim appears to downplay the seriousness of the threat.

By shifting the powers of the Independent Police Commission to the IGP, the government has turned the country into a shadow of police authoritarianism.

We warn that this danger must draw the attention of all democratic political movements. We will take all necessary steps to counter efforts to undermine MP Jagath Withana’s security for political purposes.”