The Hon. Sivagnanam Shritharan

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, though we are debating the Universities (Amendment) Bill today, yesterday Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara made certain defamatory remarks about me in this House. I must clarify.

¶ 02 On 2026 January 08, he told the media that I am being used by the Government within the Constitutional Council; and that the ITAK should act against me. A Tamil MP from the East, via the website tamilceylon, reported these claims, adding that in Kilinochchi, while people lack places to live, I have appropriated 1,200 acres; and that during the Poonakari solar power project, I deposited Rs. 70 million—about seven crores—in my and my son’s accounts. He repeated this in Parliament.

¶ 03 I have served 16 years in Parliament. I have acted independently and justly for my people, under no one’s compulsion and without needing to curry favour with Government.

¶ 04 Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara is a senior politician, though he has switched parties. If he claims deposits were made, he must state which bank, how much, by whom, and on what date. If he is a just leader and a true Sinhala Buddhist, he should present these details at the next sitting.

¶ 05 On 2025 July 25, one Sanjaya Mahawatta of “Civil Buddhi Peramuna” lodged a complaint at the FCID alleging I hold assets and a bar licence. Six months have passed—what has your Government done? Why has the FCID not concluded and reported? Again, on 2025 December 31, the same person complained to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. Nearly a month has passed on that too. Why no inquiry? Why not question the Divisional Secretary and Government Agent regarding the Poonakari solar project? Why not request details under the law?

¶ 06 Recently, Hon. Dayasiri asked me whether Tamils would support him if he contests the next Presidential Election. I told him the Tamil people are unfamiliar with him—he should first make himself known. Perhaps this displeased him. When a no-confidence motion against Hon. Harini Amarasuriya was contemplated, the Opposition wanted my signature; my party and leader advised against it, and I did not sign. For that, they sling mud at us.

¶ 07 Meanwhile, Kivul Oya and similar projects dispossess Tamils of lands; areas once sandy are now alienated. Why have Dayasiri Jayasekara or Sajith Premadasa not protested? Why are they silent on unauthorized viharas and Buddha statues? In the East, 250,000 military personnel are concentrated; lands are not released; Tamils remain displaced; the military runs salons and preschools; Jaffna is like an open prison under de facto military rule. They allege I supported appointing a military officer to a post—then why do they not speak about these broader injustices?

¶ 08 On 2011 March, at Anuradhapura Udukkulam, Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s military unit opened fire at me; I barely survived. In January 2013, bombs were planted in my office; over 100 military and police surrounded the office; my then secretary, now Chairman Velamalithan, was arrested and held 13 months. Who spoke then? In May 2013, at a meeting in our office with MPs Saravanabavan, Sumanthiran, and myself, about 500 “Sinha” flag bearers attacked. Why were Dayasiri, Ambika Sargunanathan, and others silent then? Why target Shritharan now? Some wish to expel me from politics to seize my post. It will remain a daydream.

¶ 09 I state clearly: my people know me. I have served them diligently. If there are alleged deposits, assets, or bar permits—why not investigate and establish facts? If your Government cannot, what is your strength? This seems an effort—by Government, Opposition, and even some within my party—to alienate me from the people. There must be justice. Verify the allegations transparently and uphold justice. I request this openly through this House.