Former MP Chathura Senaratne, son of ex-Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne, stated today (14) that the current government will be toppled — whether or not his father is arrested.
He made these remarks to the media outside the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, where attorneys representing Rajitha Senaratne filed an anticipatory bail application as the former minister faces the prospect of arrest over a controversial sand dredging project. Authorities allege that the project, awarded to a Korean company, caused a loss of over Rs. 200 million to the state.
Chathura strongly defended his father amid growing legal pressure, claiming that their family has always taken a firm stand against corruption. He recalled that in 1994, when the Bribery Act was introduced, Rajitha Senaratne — who had by then crossed over from the political left to the United National Party (UNP) — advocated for the party’s support for the legislation.
He also noted that in 2015, during the formation of the Yahapalana government, their civil society movement — the Democratic National Movement — joined forces with the UNP to create the United National Front. One of their proposals at the time was to introduce a modern legal framework to investigate large-scale corruption and illicit wealth.
As a result, the government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe eventually introduced Act No. 9 of 2023. Chathura reaffirmed their full support for the law, stating that it is essential to punish the corrupt and ensure justice is upheld.
He further pointed out that his father had faced similar politically motivated charges under the administration of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, which were later dismissed by the Supreme Court. Drawing a parallel, he expressed confidence that just as he himself had been acquitted in the white van case five years ago, his father too would ultimately be cleared.
Addressing social media speculation that he would attempt to overthrow the government if his father is arrested, Chathura dismissed the rumours but added pointedly that they intend to change the government regardless of whether an arrest takes place. He concluded by urging the public not to be afraid.
