Responding to a recent statement made to the media by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Jagath Withana stated that he only became aware of alleged links between himself and criminal gangs upon hearing the IGP’s remarks.
He explained that he learned of this alleged association and the supposed threat to his life through the IGP’s public warning, emphasizing that it was the IGP himself who claimed such a threat existed.
The MP noted that he had raised this issue in Parliament through the Speaker, citing it as a breach of parliamentary privilege.
According to a report he had received, there exists a list of individuals identified as criminals, on which his name appears at 24th position. However, he stressed that he was not listed as an accused in the section containing the allegations.
MP Withana further highlighted that the IGP had described the security provided to him as temporary, adding that since he was the “man who is ready to shoot,” the IGP could withdraw his security at any moment.
Nevertheless, Withana asserted that he would not bow down to anyone, declaring his determination to ensure that such treatment would not happen to any politician or citizen in the future.
He questioned whether the IGP felt any shame or regret for the fact that his security was obtained legally through the Speaker, and affirmed that he would not apologize, as he had followed the proper legal procedure.
MP Withana also accused the IGP of attempting to tarnish his image by fabricating a “business story” about him and vowed to take legal action over the matter.
The MP further questioned whether the IGP was attempting to create public unrest by linking him to underworld gangs and coercing them into doing what the police could not. “Is my mistake merely that I engaged in politics?” he asked.
