Arrests as theatre
Monday 7th September, 2026 The irony of the JVP and the UNP clashing over last week’s arrest and remand of SLPP National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa over an alleged Rs. 100 million bribe linked to an Airbus deal may not have been lost on political observers. One may recall that during the UNP-led Yahapalana […]
On September 7th, 2026, political tensions between the JVP and the UNP reached a boiling point over the arrest of SLPP National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa. Allegations of a Rs. 100 million bribe linked to an Airbus deal became the focal point of the conflict, reminiscent of volleyball plays orchestrated by the UNP-led Yahapalana government.
The JVP, once aligned with the UNP, utilized parliamentary questioning to shift blame onto Rajapaksa, paving the way for his arrest. This tactic mirrored the UNP's penchant for politically motivated arrests to vilify opponents ahead of elections. The fallout between the JVP and UNP intensified, with the latter condemning the former for targeting opposition politicians.
Sri Lanka's history of politically motivated arrests, particularly under successive governments, has garnered international attention. Past instances include the arrest of Vijaya Kumaratunga by President J.R. Jayewardene following the 1982 presidential election, and the arrest of former UNP Minister Sirisena Cooray during the Chandrika Kumaratunga administration.
More recently, the arrest of Gen. Sarath Fonseka by the UNP-led Yahapalana government ahead of the 2010 presidential election further exemplifies this trend. Critics argue that the 22nd constitutional amendment Bill, proposed by the current government, aims to further manipulate the judiciary for political gain. The prolonged remand of suspects, often without credible evidence, has raised concerns about the rule of law and public confidence in law enforcement.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
