Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that following the murder of the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, MPs from Kegalle contacted him expressing fear and concern, saying there is no longer a safe environment in society to serve the public. He said terror now reigns in the country, with underworld networks and organized crime groups exerting control, while the current government remains unable to prevent these incidents. Sri Lanka Latest News
He added that despite the present government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake boasting and engaging in media theatrics, citizens step out of their homes today with fear and uncertainty, unsure if they will return safely in the evening. According to him, crimes committed by these criminal gangs are increasing daily, setting one record after another.
Premadasa made these remarks at a meeting held today in Mawanella with the Local Government MPs’ Forum of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.
The Opposition Leader asserted that the Malima government had already politically “assassinated” the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman before his killing, noting that the first council meeting was blocked, JVP members were abducted and then falsely accused of being abducted by him, and a JVP member’s residence was shot at — later revealed to have been orchestrated by the JVP itself, based on the member’s own phone statements. Amid these events, he said he wrote to the IGP requesting security, but no action was taken. He stated that the underlying goal behind all these incidents was to seize control of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, adding that similar events are now occurring in Mathugama as well.
He stressed that the incidents in Weligama and Mathugama are identical in nature.
Premadasa further revealed that MP Jagath Withana is also facing death threats, and it was Mr. Withana — not the police — who informed him of these threats. Instead of protecting him, the IGP publicly labeled Mr. Withana a criminal, he said. He added that the common factor in both Weligama and Mathugama is the JVP’s attempt to take power in those local bodies.
“The government’s responsibility is to protect civilians”
Premadasa emphasized that ensuring citizen safety is the government’s foremost duty. He said the public entrusted the government with power to strengthen law and order, justice, and democracy — yet today, underworld forces have been empowered instead. He attributed this situation to what he called weak government policies.
He stated that in the face of deadly attacks, public safety must be the government’s top priority, followed by enabling local government and parliamentary representatives to serve the people. He added that although he has written to the Speaker twice regarding these issues, he has yet to receive a response.
