Hon. Mahinda Jayasinghe - Deputy Minister of Labour
2026-02-17
Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe raised a matter of privilege against Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri (Samagi Jana Balawegaya), citing a statement made on 6 February 2026 that he characterized as unfounded and defamatory. The statement in question accused Jayasinghe of selling lands while representing trade unions, avoiding court proceedings, and called him "a big thief." Jayasinghe requested that the matter be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for further consideration.
Hon. Speaker, I raise a matter of privilege relating to a breach by Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri, MP of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, who on 06.02.2026 at about 2.27 p.m. made the following unfounded and defamatory statement about me:
“You, representing trade unions, sold all the lands; now there are court cases. You are hiding and not going to court; you got on boats; you are a big thief.”
This baseless and defamatory statement amounts to a breach of my parliamentary privilege. I request that this be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Thank you for the opportunity, Hon. Speaker.