Another Bandaranayake in politics

By Gagani Weerakoon-2015-06-07

Shaveen Bandaranayake Kariyawasam, son of former Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, in an exclusive interview with Ceylon Today expressed his intention to enter active politics.

When asked whether people would see him in Parliament in the near future, he responded positively, but admitted that he had a few reservations about the political culture prevailing in the country.
He however added that it was very likely that he would enter politics although he felt that he was not the kind of person who was needed in politics even in the immediate foreseeable future under the prevailing system.

Bandaranayake expressed hope that the current political culture would take a turn for the better, so that people of his calibre could play an active role in the political scene of the country.

He made headlines recently after posting a comment in response to a status update by the eldest son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa, regarding his mother (Shiranthi Rajapaksa) being summoned by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).

"Mr. Rajapaksa, you tend to forget those who you've left in your wake. My mother, father, aunt, uncle nor I were politicians. Yet, your government moved swiftly to condemn, vilify and harass us throughout the past 2 1/2 years. How must I have felt when my parents were called before the Bribery Commission? How must I have felt seeing them being carted day after day to Court? How must I have felt seeing them being defamed by the government media that you so eloquently manipulated during your rule? Before you seek sympathy or support, 'audi alteram partem'. You're an attorney, look that up..." Shaveen wrote in response.