Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has the right to return to the country, but he should be tried for allegations of financial mismanagement because he no longer has legal immunity, said Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today.
SJB CEO Ajith P. Perera stated yesterday at a press conference that the former President has the right to return to the country. “Gotabaya Rajapaksa is a citizen of this country, and he has the right to return home.” This is a right that no one can deny. “However, he should be tried for allegations of financial mismanagement,” Mr. Perera said.
“A case was filed against him for allegedly spending state funds on his parents’ memorial.” These cases should be reopened, and indictments should be issued for additional charges. As he does not have legal immunity under the constitution, it is possible to subject him to trials and penalize him if he is found guilty,” he said.
Also, the former MP stated that the SJB opposes the Prime Minister’s cabinet paper to pay compensation of more than Rs. 100 million to high-ranking state officials who claimed political victimization during the Yahapalana administration.