Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa has said that a person who has done wrong knows the extent of it, and that it is therefore reasonable for such a person to be afraid — remarks made in response to questions about MP Namal Rajapaksa.
The minister spoke to reporters on Wednesday (2) after attending a Wahi Pirith ceremony at the Narahenpita Abhayaramaya, Hiru News reported.
If there is fear of an arrest before “the upcoming 12th”, Jayatissa added, those concerned have the ability to hold a meeting before that date.
The reference to Namal Rajapaksa
Jayatissa did not specify what wrongdoing he was referring to, and Hiru’s report does not connect the remarks to a particular case. Namal Rajapaksa was summoned before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption on 2 September in connection with the Airbus matter.
Hiru did not report what the “12th” refers to, and no outlet has clarified whether it denotes a court date, a commission appearance or a political event. The minister’s phrasing was conditional throughout, and he made no assertion that an arrest is planned.
Government position on a 22A referendum
Jayatissa also said the government is ready for a referendum on the 22nd Constitutional Amendment if that is what follows from the Supreme Court’s opinion.
He added that he does not expect a referendum to be required, and that clarity on the question should emerge within the coming two to three weeks.
That is the first indication from a cabinet minister of how the government would respond to an adverse determination. The five-judge bench concluded its hearings on 2 September, with the determination going to the Speaker. Petitioners across some 30 applications have argued the amendment requires both a two-thirds majority and approval at a referendum; the Attorney General has argued it does not.
Not established
The remarks were made on Wednesday and reported by Hiru on Thursday. No other verified newsroom had carried them at the time of writing, and neither Namal Rajapaksa nor the opposition had responded. The minister’s two-to-three week estimate for clarity on the amendment has not been confirmed by the court, which has not announced when its determination will be transmitted.
