All the best to Dr. @DrSatyanjal as you leave Sri Lanka after an outstanding chapter here. Thank you for the warmth, friendship, and good vibes throughout. Safe travels, see you again soon
Powerful words from MP Namal Rajapaksa
“Sallay is not under a magistrate’s remand order but is detained under the PTA. What is striking is the silence of many of the very activists who spent years campaigning against the PTA. Their sudden silence now raises serious questions about consistency and principle” - SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa
The reports now emerging in the media, along with the concerns raised before court by the legal counsel of Major General (Retd.) Suresh #Sallay regarding his treatment in custody, are deeply troubling.
Sallay is not under a magistrate’s remand order but is detained under the PTA. What is striking is the silence of many of the very activists who spent years campaigning against the PTA. Their sudden silence now raises serious questions about consistency and principle.
We all want justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks, but it must be delivered without bias, political influence, or selective application. If investigations are driven by politics rather than truth, it risks becoming a betrayal of the victims and their families, who still deserve genuine justice.
That same commission report clearly outlined its findings and identified those held personally responsible for negligence. Ironically, some of the very individuals connected to those findings are now leading the investigations.
As the opposition, we are not against investigations. Accountability is important, but politically motivated investigations will never deliver real justice to the Easter Sunday victims. That is my honest view.
I’m disappointed with the NPP over the use of a song glorifying the LTTE during the election campaign to attract Tamil nationalist votes, only for it to now be disowned by the very Jaffna MP who shared it on social media, claiming it was not produced by the NPP.
If that is truly the case, then the authorities should investigate who created and circulated a song promoting a banned terrorist organisation, and those responsible must be held accountable.
What disappoints me even more is how people in the Northern and Eastern Provinces continue to be used during elections and then abandoned afterwards.
Throughout every election, we have always been honest with the people of the North and East about where we stand. We never played games or staged political drama. Whether it was the 13th Amendment, the release of innocent former LTTE cadres who were misled as youth, land issues, or development concerns, we stated our position clearly and truthfully, even when it was not politically convenient.
People may agree or disagree with our views, but at least they knew exactly where we stood.
Since 2009, I have consistently supported the development of the N/E Provinces, and my commitment to my brothers and sisters in the North and East will continue regardless of politics.
The NPP government can no longer deceive the public with its double-faced politics.
During the last Local Government election campaign in the North, NPP-linked propaganda openly glorified the LTTE for political gain. The campaign song, shared by NPP parliamentarians and party supporters, promoted:
⭕️ A harbour named after Velupillai Parvathi Amma
⭕️ A bronze statue of Prabhakaran
⭕️ Claims that “the ideology of the National Leader and Anura Kumara Dissanayake are one and the same.”
Today, the same government is arresting a young Tamil artist under the PTA over alleged LTTE-related content.
So, who misled the youth in the North?
It was the NPP, driven by its desire to secure Tamil nationalist votes.
Many young people in the North are now asking: when the government and its election campaign normalized and circulated such content, what message did that send to the next generation?
During our time in government, more than 13,000 former LTTE cadres were rehabilitated and released. We focused on helping them reintegrate into society as productive citizens, rather than using them as political tools for votes.
What we are witnessing today is a dangerous double standard in politics: one narrative for the North and East and another for the South.
The young artist arrested under the PTA is also a victim of the government’s own irresponsible political agenda.
Tamil youth and all youth of our country must not continue to be misled by opportunistic politics.
SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of double standards in applying the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), after a young artist from Kilinochchi was arrested over LTTE‑related content in a rap song. He questioned why similar LTTE‑themed songs shared by NPP politicians during the recent local polls did not face action, stressing that ‘one rule for politicians and another for ordinary youth is unacceptable in a democratic society.’ Rajapaksa warned that selective enforcement would be seen as an abuse of power.
D: https://t.co/eFa4Kg3z8O
The selective use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act once again raises serious concerns about double standards under the current government.
We are hearing reports that a young artist from Kilinochchi has been arrested and remanded under the PTA over the alleged use of LTTE-related material in a rap song. If music and artistic expression are now being treated as terrorism-related offences, the government must explain why the same standards were not applied when NPP politicians used and shared LTTE-themed songs during the recent local government election campaign.
A Jaffna District NPP MP reportedly shared such songs openly on social media for political benefit. Where was the Police then? Where was the PTA then?
Let us be clear about our position. Under the law, the LTTE remains a banned terrorist organisation, and we do not support anyone promoting or glorifying LTTE elements. However, when both a government MP and a young artist are accused of similar conduct, it is wrong for one to receive political protection while the other faces arrest under the PTA.
The law cannot be applied based on political convenience. One rule for politicians and another for ordinary youth is unacceptable in a democratic society.
If the government believes such actions are unlawful, accountability must apply equally to everyone, regardless of political affiliation. Otherwise, this arrest will be viewed as a selective abuse of power.
Met SLPP @PodujanaParty
National Organizer and MP Namal Rajapaksa @RajapaksaNamal .
Discussed political developments in 🇱🇰 , global scenarios, and its impact on developing countries. Also, shared perspectives on 🇮🇳-🇱🇰 relations and ongoing cooperation.
It is no secret that I visited TMVP leader Sivasathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan, while he was in prison in 2018/19. In fact, prison records of my visits are very much available. At the time, he was party to the alliance, contesting both the 2015 Presidential Election and the 2018 Local Government Elections.
Purportedly the CID travelled all the way to France to investigate the Easter attack, naturally this raises questions about the government’s priorities. If officers travelled all that way simply to confirm my visit to Pillayan, then it is clearly a waste of public funds. To my knowledge, Pillayan is not currently being detained in connection with the Easter attacks. So who exactly is the government trying to convince with these media spectacles?
The NPP itself has shared different narratives about the Easter attacks at different times. If the government is now trying to use this tragedy to target political opponents, it would be deeply unfair to the victims and their families, who still deserve genuine answers and justice.
We are ready to face any fair inquiry and will cooperate fully with the CID to clear any doubts openly and transparently. Instead of focusing on political drama and media headlines, the government should focus on delivering meaningful results for the people of our country.
The USD 2.5M debt diversion scandal cannot be reduced to a “technical error” , it raises clear questions of public finance accountability under the Public Finance Management Act No. 44 of 2024.
Under Sections 4 & 28, the Minister of Finance carries responsibility for fiscal oversight and authorising expenditure warrants.
Under Sections 5, 29 & 36, the Secretary to the Treasury is responsible for operational control and ensuring the security of computerized public financial systems.
If warnings were raised and an unsecured system was still used for handling public funds, then accountability cannot be separated between policy approval and administrative execution both levels must be examined.
This is now a test of consistency and transparency in governance: will the same standards of accountability that are publicly stated be applied equally when a complaint is formally made and names arise in an investigation?
President AKD himself stated on May 12th that if a person’s name arises in an investigation, a statement MUST be recorded even from the President himself. No one is above the law.
That principle must now be applied uniformly, without exception or delay.
It has come to my attention that journalists and social activists who visited Delmar Estate in Ragala to inquire into the concerns of Malaiyaha residents were subjected to threats and intimidation. Such actions are deeply concerning and entirely unacceptable. No one has the right to silence the media or prevent Malaiyaha community from voicing their grievances.
The plantation sector remains a vital pillar of Sri Lanka’s economy, and estate workers in Malaiyaham deserve dignity, protection, and meaningful solutions to their long-standing challenges, not fear or intimidation. Increasing pressure on plantation communities and those advocating on their behalf will only deepen divisions and injustice.
Delighted to announce the official appointment of Ms. Sasikumar Kalaivani as the District Women’s Organizer for Jaffna of SLPP. I look forward to working together for the progress and empowerment of the party, as well as strengthening the role of women in politics. Wishing her every success in this new responsibility. @RajapaksaNamal
Deeply worried and concerned by the reports coming from the fire incident at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. We are closely following the situation and sincerely hope that all necessary steps will continue to be taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients, staff, and the public.
We condemn the incident in Neelagamam, Kahawatte, where an estate worker’s home was demolished and he was reportedly assaulted by unidentified individuals. No one should have to live in fear of losing their home or facing violence.
For generations, Malaiyaha plantation workers have contributed greatly to this country. Yet many are still waiting for something as basic as security, dignity, and a place they can truly call home.
I urge the government to step in without delay, carry out a fair and transparent investigation, and ensure those responsible are held accountable. People must feel that justice is real and that their voices are heard.
The Neelagamam issue also reminds us that we cannot continue to delay solutions to long-standing challenges such as housing and land rights. These families deserve stability, recognition, and respect.
Warm wishes to all those celebrating #Vesak 🌕
Also known as the Day of the Full Moon, Vesak is a sacred occasion for millions of Buddhists around the world, marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.
Learn more: https://t.co/OkzoZ9DHAL
Heartbreaking to see a young man pleading for his future. The situation of Sri Lankan origin refugees in Tamil Nadu remains deeply concerning, we cannot allow more young lives to be lost because of identity. Urging Minister @HMVijithaHerath to intervene and take immediate steps to ensure this young man can return home safely.
@Mahishini@MFA_SriLanka@IndiainSL
Breaking: Colombo Security Conclave to become international Organisation says Indian foreign secretary. First Secretary General of the conclave will be an Indian national.
The grouping has India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Seychelles as its members.
As we welcome the Vice President of India His Excellency C.P Radhakrishnan to Sri Lanka, this visit must go beyond ceremony and protocol. It is an opportunity to address long standing human concerns that have remained unresolved for far too long.
For decades, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu have lived in uncertainty, waiting for a durable and dignified solution.
Their future cannot be postponed indefinitely. We strongly urge both governments to come together and establish a joint mechanism- A common body, dedicated to facilitating those refugees who voluntarily wish to return home, ensuring their safety, dignity, and reintegration.
At the same time, it is essential that returning refugees are not subjected to harassment, intimidation, or bureaucratic hardship. A humane and transparent process must be guaranteed, so that return is not feared, but trusted.
The long-standing fishermen issue in the Palk Strait also demands urgent and sincere attention. For years, fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka have faced arrest, conflict, and uncertainty while pursuing their livelihoods. We call on both governments to work closely with representatives of both fishing communities to develop a fair, sustainable, and jointly accepted solution.
Strengthening connectivity between Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka is equally vital. The waters between our two nations must not become a barrier to a relationship that has existed for thousands of years. Culture, commerce, and community have long flowed across this region, and it is time policy reflects that shared history.
We therefore urge both governments, during this important visit, to move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to a clear, time-bound framework, one that resolves the refugee issue with humanity, addresses the fishermen dispute with fairness, and builds meaningful connectivity that benefits communities on both sides of the Palk Strait.
Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, is enroute to Colombo for an official visit to Sri Lanka from 19-20 April 2026.
Watch highlights of the India’s close, strong and diverse bilateral ties with Sri Lanka ⬇️