Ready to Work With Anyone to Take Legal Action for Namal, Says Thalatha

08-Sep-2026

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United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala said they were prepared to work with anyone to take necessary legal action concerning imprisoned Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa.

She made these remarks while speaking to the media on September 6 following the UNP’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

She said the UNP had always been a party that sought to unite political parties representing all ethnicities and religions. Accordingly, representatives of all communities and political parties had been invited to the inaugural event of the party’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

She added that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) consisted of individuals who had been associated with the UNP and that there was no obstacle to the two parties working together whenever the appropriate time came.

“We have maintained a good relationship with them. That is why they accepted our invitation and attended the event,” she said.

Athukorala also said she had not visited Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa in prison. Similarly, she said she had not visited former President Ranil Wickremesinghe when he was imprisoned.

“When they are in prison, they themselves experience the impact of being there, not those of us outside. However, we are prepared to work with anyone to take the necessary legal action in this regard,” she said.

Meanwhile, SJB Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman said his party had also been invited to the UNP’s 80th anniversary celebrations and that he had attended the event along with the party secretary.

He said there was a complaint against Namal Rajapaksa and that the investigation was being conducted based on a complaint made during the previous good governance administration.

“We will see what happens during the court proceedings. The SJB does not have to take responsibility for every allegation made against members of the Opposition. We will not oppose legal action taken in accordance with the law,” he said.