The Hon. Jagath Vithana

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I raise this on behalf of all 225 Members. I have stated that I face death threats from organised criminals. This has been confirmed in writing by the Police. By letter SD/IG/OUT/S-04/02/3647/2025 dated 11 September 2025 from the Inspector-General of Police and by a report of the Senior DIG, Western Province, it is officially acknowledged that there is a plot to assassinate me.

¶ 02 Accordingly, I was provided police protection and the matter was taken before the Privileges Committee; the IGP appeared. On the 24th, however, that protection was withdrawn. The identities of the organised criminals and even the group’s name are recorded. I table the IGP’s communication.

¶ 03 I also wish to note that my protection officers were removed by phone—apparently from overseas—contrary to directions of the Speaker and the Defence Minister. This is a breach of our parliamentary privileges. I am not here pleading for my protection for personal convenience; I received it under proper orders.

¶ 04 I have filed a Fundamental Rights application and a damages action; leave to proceed has been granted in the FR matter and both cases are being heard.

¶ 05 Unrelated allegations have also been made about a bus strike. I did not orchestrate any strike; when fuel prices rose by 30 per cent, services automatically halted. When fares were raised by 12.1 per cent overnight, operations resumed. I am on the Advisory Committee on Transport Costs and always advocate facilitation, not obstruction. Yet my protection was withdrawn. I table the documents and recordings.

¶ 06 Please investigate this matter, summon those responsible, and ensure it does not happen to any Member. I trust this Parliament. We are here by the people’s vote. While we may argue, we remain colleagues. If I am assassinated after my protection is withdrawn and it is publicly known that I am unprotected, it emboldens criminals. I table the relevant documents.

¶ 07 Thank you.