Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara yesterday said the Opposition, and various interested parties were trying to misinterpret President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s May Day speech.

Attorney-at-law Nanayakkara said so responding to The Island queries regarding concerns expressed by the Opposition and ‘Free Lawyers’ organisation. Declaring that the President had never interfered with the judiciary, under any circumstances, Nanayakkara said that there was no need for the NPP to do so.

The Minister added that obviously those who had been on the wrong side of the law were concerned of the outcome of the ongoing cases. “Media briefings, statements, etc., indicate they are struggling to cope up with the developing situation,” Minister Nanayakkara said, urging the public to be wary of those who robbed the country but now acted as paragons of virtue.

The Minister said that the Opposition was desperate and was seeking to exploit the President’s address to cause public uproar. If they hadn’t done anything wrong there was no need for them to worry so much, he said, adding that ongoing efforts to go on the offensive against the government would not succeed.

The Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera, has denied reports on the gazette notification issued to revise Value Added Tax (VAT) from 01 July.

Issuing a statement, the Deputy Minister said the move is aimed at simplifying the tax system in line with government policy, by merging VAT and the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) into a single tax.

He explained that banks and financial institutions, which were previously subject to 18% VAT and a 2.5% Social Security Contribution Levy, will instead pay a consolidated 20.5% VAT from 01 July. However, he stressed that the Social Security tax will no longer be charged separately.

Deputy Minister Jayaweera noted that claims circulating, particularly on social media, that VAT is being increased to 20.5%, are misleading, as the change reflects a restructuring, rather than a new tax hike.

He added that the revision would also reduce administrative requirements, as financial institutions will no longer need to submit separate filings for the two taxes.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa has alleged that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is attempting to influence judicial matters.

Addressing the media in Kalutara yesterday, MP Rajapaksa said it had become evident during May Day proceedings that key decisions were being communicated from the JVP raising concerns over the separation of powers.

“We only learned on May Day that judicial decisions were made from the JVP platform. If the President believes he can deliver court rulings in such a manner while ignoring public concerns, we will respond accordingly,” he said.

Namal also criticised the President’s May Day speech, accusing him of focusing on political opponents rather than addressing workers’ rights or economic recovery. He described remarks about potential legal action against opposition figures as inappropriate for a head of state.

Commenting on reports circulating on social media regarding former President Mahinda Rajapaksa being summoned in connection with a bribery inquiry, Namal said no official written communication had been received. He alleged that statements linked to the case were obtained under coercion, a claim he said had been supported by an affidavit submitted to court.

Namal also raised concerns about the conduct of law enforcement authorities, alleging increasing political influence within the police. He cited a recent incident where police reportedly declared a death a suicide before the completion of the autopsy, questioning the urgency and procedure followed.

Namal expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that courts would continue to act independently, regardless of political statements.

He added that the SLPP would continue to engage with the public and strengthen its grassroots presence.