The former Director General of the Land Reform Commission has officially apologized before the Parliamentary Committee on Privileges and Ethics over allegations that a 43-acre land in the Hantana area of Kandy had been illegally acquired. He admitted that he had made the false statement under severe pressure. Following this admission, Kandy District Member of Parliament Chamindrani Kiriella was cleared of all allegations.
The incident has raised serious concerns within the democratic framework, particularly regarding how state officials can become tools of political agendas. The impact of false propaganda on the political image of a public representative, as well as how such challenges were responsibly handled, are discussed in this detailed interview with MP Chamindrani Kiriella.
After a year, you must be feeling a sense of real relief today. How would you describe that feeling?
This was not actually a legal case. The Central Environmental Authority had filed allegations regarding the illegal acquisition and clearing of land in Hantana, but there was no evidence to support those claims. In 2023, these allegations were proven baseless, and the Authority withdrew them. Later, my name was mentioned incidentally during a COPE committee session, which led to this issue. There was never an actual case filed against me. However, I am very relieved that the mistake has now been corrected.
Even though you knew you were innocent, how did you cope with the pressure when the entire country pointed fingers at you for something you didn’t do?
It was definitely stressful to be accused of something I didn’t do. I thought a lot about how to correct this mistake, especially since the false narrative was widely spread. I even contested the election during this period of false accusations. People who knew me were aware that I had done nothing wrong. The people of the Kandy District were a great strength to me. I believe my election victory was their answer to the pressure I faced. Still, I don’t think the damage caused can be fully undone.
What about the helplessness you might have felt from people’s looks and comments when you went out in public?
I didn’t feel a great sense of helplessness. My supporters always trusted me and stood by me. They never treated me in a way that made me feel helpless.
You are here today because of your voters. What did they say when you met them?
During the election period, many voters were confused about the issue. Whenever they needed clarification, I explained the situation truthfully. We also distributed leaflets explaining the incident clearly. Some people didn’t ask me directly, but may have assumed I was guilty. That likely affected my image and cost me votes. However, I did my best to clarify the truth.
Facing embarrassment in front of family is often the hardest. Did you experience such moments?
Yes. Not only me, but even my family members and children were targeted, with their photos used in smear campaigns. There were even instances where my children were cursed. These situations were painful and embarrassing. However, my family always knew the truth, so I never felt uncomfortable because of them.
Did you feel disappointed with the media for spreading allegations without verifying facts?
Yes, not only with the media but also with certain citizens. Media is very powerful, and people tend to believe what it reports. Therefore, both traditional and social media must act responsibly and verify information before publishing.
Despite the pressure, you continued to speak boldly in Parliament. Where did you find that courage?
That is simply who I am. I am not someone who gets shaken easily. I knew I was innocent. In politics, if you are easily shaken, it’s difficult to survive. I am a strong woman, shaped by my upbringing, and that strength helped me endure.
Did you ever feel like quitting politics due to these unfair allegations?
No, I never felt that way. I didn’t enter politics just because I come from a political family. I was inspired by my father’s service to the people. Initially, I worked as a lawyer, starting at the Attorney General’s Department, and later spent around 15 years in private sector legal roles. I understood the nature of politics well. Despite the accusations, the love and support from people never made me regret my decision.
Isn’t it a threat to democracy when state officials act under political influence?
The government often tries to shift blame onto public officials. Even in this case, although my name was mentioned at the COPE committee, no conclusion was reached. However, the reaction of a government MP amplified the issue among the public. It wasn’t the official alone, but the MP’s response that escalated it. Yet, only the official ended up apologizing. Others involved have remained silent. There is also responsibility on the COPE chairman to verify such matters before presenting them. This situation is harmful to democracy. Today, anyone appearing before the COPE committee is viewed with suspicion, discouraging open expression.
When falsehood spreads faster than truth, did you lose anything due to the delay in revealing the truth?
Hantana is a place deeply loved by people across the country. So, any allegation related to it naturally creates public anger. This affected my reputation, and I believe I lost a significant number of votes because of it.
Do you see this as a life lesson in identifying genuine people?
Definitely. Not only opposition members, but even some within my own party acted against me. During elections, competition for preferences leads to such behavior. This experience helped me understand people better.
Finally, what would you like to say to those who stood by you during this difficult time?
I sincerely thank everyone who trusted me—whether they voted for me or not. Especially the people of Kandy District and all Sri Lankans. Their support is the reason I stand strong today. I am committed to honoring their trust and will continue to serve and stand for the people.
– Reported by Thilakshi Basnayake
