Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has been embroiled in a controversy over his recent appointment as the Acting Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), which was promptly challenged in Court by the other faction of the SLFP. In this interview, Dr. Rajapakshe rejects allegations that his appointment is a part of a “deal” with certain persons or groups. He says that his only motivation in whatever he does is serving the public regardless of party affiliations and other divisions.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: A group of people has gone to Court saying that you are not a member of the SLFP and that it is illegal to appoint you as the Acting Chairman of the SLFP. The Court has since issued an Interim Injunction against your appointment. What is going to happen now?
A: A group got a Court Injunction against my appointment based on one-sided information. Remember, the Court’s decision is interim, and I am confident that once all relevant facts are presented, the Court will issue a fair ruling. The claim that I am not a party (SLFP) member is unfounded, as my appointment was supported by 116 members of the party’s Executive Committee. As a legal professional, I will not accept an appointment that is deemed illegal.
Q: Is it possible for the SLFP to appoint an Acting Chairman as they desire?
A: The SLFP does not and cannot have multiple chairpersons. Any attempt by a few individuals unrelated to the party to appoint an Acting Chairman is invalid. Even the National Election Commission (NEC) has not recognised such appointments as being legitimate.
Q: The group led by former President Maithripala Sirisena (Maithri faction) strongly opposed the Government ministers from the SLFP. On the other hand, some accuse your involvement as being another “deal”?
A: I am not part of the Maithri group. The individuals who filed these cases are pushing an agenda against Government Ministers from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) representing the SLFP. However, my role is distinct—I contested elections under the SLPP banner and hold a Ministerial position within the Government we subsequently formed. There is no connection between these allegations and my role in the SLFP.
Q: Some people call it a “deal” between Maithripala Sirisena and another former President?
A: Claims of a deal between Maithripala Sirisena and a former President are baseless and unfounded. Any attempts to tarnish the Judiciary’s reputation with such allegations will be met with legal action.
Q: Many people accuse you that being a powerful Minister of the Government while being the Chairman of a party that criticises the Government as unethical?
A: Prior to my appointment as Acting Chairman of the SLFP, I have criticised the Government on many occasions, sometimes mercilessly. My focus has been on addressing issues within the Government, and I have been very vocal about these concerns. My efforts, including negotiations for GSP Plus relief and other initiatives, have been under the President’s leadership to benefit the country.
Q: No one really expected that you will accept this position. Why did you accept it so quickly. It was only a few days earlier that you gave SLFP members a guest lecture?
A: I accepted this responsibility out of a sense of duty to the country. I do not seek any positions for personal gain. In the past, I have declined Ministerial roles multiple times in several Governments and took them up only during critical junctures. My actions are motivated solely by the needs of the people.
Q: Is there any preparation from your side to compete for the Presidential candidacy from the SLFP?
A: There is significant support within and outside the SLFP for my candidacy, based on my track record and integrity. I am considering this request seriously, taking into account public opinion and the party’s core interests.
Q: How will you protect the Constitution of the Party and carry out future activities that will benefit the Party?
A: We are currently under a Court Injunction, but we will present the relevant facts to get the ban lifted. I am committed to demonstrating the SLFP’s strength within just three months and ensuring the Party’s continuity and growth in a new direction.
Q: Will you support President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the next Presidential Election?
A: I have contributed significantly to the President’s rise to power and the formation of the present Government. We will gauge public sentiment at the correct time and adopt strategies aligned with the people’s aspirations.
Q: As the Minister who protects the law of the country, did you try to enter the SLFP Headquarters while it was locked?
A: The unauthorised police actions in locking the Party Headquarters will be addressed legally. I have taken steps to prevent conflicts and ensure strict adherence to the law.
Q: A group accuses former President Maithripala Sirisena of violating the country’s Constitution of the country and also the Party Constitution. But you are a Minister with a better worldview and legal knowledge?
A: The actions of former President Sirisena are separate from the SLFP’s operations. Changes were made to bring about necessary reforms, and my record demonstrates adherence to the Party Constitution and the law of the country.
Translated by Dinuli Francisco
