If Allegations Against Me Are Proven, I Am Ready to Withdraw from Politics; MP Sivagnanam Sritharan
10-Nov-2025.
“I categorically reject the allegations made against me by Badulla District MP Samara Sampath, who behaves like a mentally unstable person. I request that these allegations be investigated, the truth uncovered, and justice upheld. If the allegations are proven, I am prepared to withdraw from politics. If steps are taken to remove me from Parliament, I will fully cooperate,” stated Sivagnanam Shritharan, Jaffna District MP of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi.
Raising a privilege issue during the Parliamentary session on November 8, he said:
“On Thursday, 23 October 2025, MP Samara Sampath submitted a privilege motion against me, making completely false and immoral claims that I had violated parliamentary privilege.
Under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution (as revised in 2018), I was democratically elected on 6 December 2024 by secret ballot to the Constitutional Council for the determination of high-level appointments. Although several people, including MP Samara Sampath, engaged in behind-the-scenes manoeuvring, both MP Jeevan Thondaman and I contested, and I was elected.
Since assuming office on 6 December 2024, I have served honourably and with integrity according to my conscience and in line with Article 9 of the Constitution.
Under Articles 29 and 7 of the Constitution, I have clearly presented my decisions before the Constitutional Council in the interest of the public and my people. I have never altered my decisions for party interest or due to external influence. No external pressure has been applied to me in the past year, nor can such pressure affect me.
I read in the newspapers and social media that an individual named Sanjay Mahawatte of the so-called ‘Civil Intelligence Front’ lodged a complaint with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on 25 July 2025, alleging that I possessed undeclared assets.
Immediately after these reports, I publicly called for a full investigation to reveal the truth. Nearly four months have passed, yet the FCID has not issued any findings.
Through this august House, I again request: if I or my family members or any proxy hold any assets, investigate and take legal action.
Similarly, if I ever obtained or recommended a licence for a liquor outlet in my name or through my recommendation, reveal it immediately and take action.
Under Article 41 of the Constitution, I was democratically elected. Of the ten members of the Constitutional Council, I am the first in Sri Lankan history to be elected through a vote in Parliament.
Under Standing Order 29(2), this does not constitute a breach of privilege. I respectfully request that an inquiry be conducted under Article 41(1) to ascertain the truth and deliver justice.
When MP Samara Sampath served as Chief Minister of Uva Province, he humiliated a Tamil head prefect. He must be regarded as a mentally unstable person.
If the allegations against me are proven, I am prepared to step away from politics or cooperate fully with any process to remove me from Parliament.”
