Saturday Sep 05, 2026
Saturday Sep 05, 2026
Saturday, 5 September 2026 00:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The United National Party (UNP) has condemned the arrest of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), alleging that the move was intended to disrupt a public rally planned in Anuradhapura on 12 September.
In a statement, the UNP noted it believed Rajapaksa’s arrest had been carried out with the intention of affecting the SLPP rally, which was to be held under his leadership.
The party argued that political leaders should be able to travel across the country and conduct public meetings as part of their democratic rights.
“It must be acknowledged that the National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has the democratic right to travel around the country and hold meetings, as does the SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa,” the UNP said.
The UNP noted that such democratic rights should not be curtailed and claimed that actions of this nature would be viewed negatively, particularly by younger voters.
The party also criticised the Government, noting the arrest reflected what it described as growing concern over declining public support.
The UNP added that political figures could not be discredited simply through arrests, and called on the Government to respect democratic rights while allowing political parties to conduct their activities.
