Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said that a Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) would be appointed to investigate the Aragalaya protest movement and alleged foreign funding linked to it.

He made these remarks while addressing the media today (13) following an event held at the SLPP headquarters.

Rajapaksa claimed that while a group that led the protest movement had gone on to attain power, another group had faced severe consequences, with 12 individuals allegedly ending up on death row.

Speaking further, he said the proposed PCoI would examine both the Aragalaya and claims that the movement received financial assistance from overseas. He alleged that even the current President of the United States had referred to foreign funds being channelled through USAID to influence government changes in countries including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and argued that this indicated foreign funding had reached the protest movement.

Rajapaksa also claimed that some individuals involved in the protests had publicly stated on social media that they had acquired vehicles, houses, and travelled abroad. He contrasted this with what he described as others who had sacrificed themselves during the protests and were now facing serious legal consequences.

According to him, different groups within the movement had allegedly experienced different outcomes, with some obtaining political positions, others acquiring property or relocating overseas, while another group faced punishment.

He said this illustrated a situation where those who directed the movement had benefited, while others bore the consequences.