PM Defends Refiling Of Political Cases

COLOMBO(News 1st); Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament that 102 cases involving political figures between 2019 and 2024 had been withdrawn, with 65 already refiled by the current government and three more under consideration. 

She noted that some cases date back 15–20 years, requiring investigations to be restarted, and stressed that all actions are guided strictly by law and evidence, not favoritism.

Responding, Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s Attorney-at-Law Ajith P. Perera said the trial-at-bar case against former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, withdrawn due to presidential immunity, could now be refiled but has not been. He urged that case refiling should not be selective.

Dr. Amarasuriya rejected his claim, emphasizing that no one is being shielded, citing ongoing cases against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe as evidence that decisions follow due process.