Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated in Parliament today that he is prepared to reveal the underworld connections of certain Members of Parliament affiliated with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), including their names and addresses.
The Minister had earlier claimed in Parliament that intelligence reports indicate powerful political figures from both the United National Party (UNP) and the SJB are in contact with ten underworld gangs.
Minister Wijepala made this statement in response to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who strongly denied the allegations. During his speech, Premadasa said:
Yesterday, the Minister of Public Security claimed that leaders and politicians from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya are connected to the underworld. I ask the Minister to clearly state who these leaders are. Is the party leader involved? Are members of the leadership group involved? Are any MPs involved? Present the facts. Do not mislead the country with another falsehood. We say this very clearly — the Samagi Jana Balawegaya has no connections to the underworld.”
In reply, Minister Wijepala said:
“Opposition Leader, I presented facts regarding underworld connections yesterday and the day before, and I did so responsibly. I urged everyone to refer to the data. We are ready to reveal to this House the underworld links of certain members, including those from the SLFP. There is an ongoing investigation, and once it is complete, we will present the full details.”
He further stated:
“You should look at the Hansard. Some names have already been presented in Parliament. I emphasize that any statements made on this matter were made responsibly. We are not here to lie. The Hansard will confirm what was said. I presented some of these facts the week before last.”
Minister Wijepala also noted that due to the ongoing investigation, he does not intend to release additional names at this time.
In response, Sajith Premadasa reiterated his request:
“I ask you once again to reveal the names and addresses of any SJB leaders connected to the so-called ‘Sabandhanam’ underworld.”
To this, Minister Wijepala simply responded:
“Take a look at the Hansard.”
