Amid a series of indictments against politicians by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa has claimed that a list of 40 politicians—including himself—has been prepared for arrest on the instructions of the Presidential Secretariat.

Speaking during a television programme, Weerawansa accused the Presidential Secretariat of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign by directing the Bribery Commission to target selected politicians.

He alleged that the list includes prominent figures from both past Rajapaksa administrations as well as the current government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Weerawansa further claimed that a senior official from the Bribery Commission regularly visits the Presidential Secretariat to receive directions on how to proceed with cases against those listed.

“I am one of the names on that list. So are Kanchana Wijesekera and Ramesh Pathirana. Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s arrest happened in a similar manner. These charges relate to activities carried out by departments under ministerial oversight, but the ministers themselves are being held accountable,” he said.

According to Weerawansa, the list was compiled following the Local Government election held in May, after which the government reportedly concluded it had lost public support due to perceived inaction on corruption.

He argued that the recent spate of investigations is more about managing public perception than delivering justice, describing the moves as selective and politically driven.

Weerawansa also revealed that he has been summoned by the Bribery Commission over a matter related to his time as Minister of Housing and Construction.