Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe today rejected an allegation by MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam that he had met a businessman at the Kingsbury Hotel to discuss a questionable distillery licence.
Raising a privilege issue in Parliament, Deputy Minister Abeysinghe said his parliamentary privileges had been violated by MP Rasamanickam’s remarks and urged the Speaker to take appropriate action.
“As public officials, we often meet investors and individuals interested in potential investments on a daily basis. The discussion referred to by MP Rasamanickam never took place, and I have never received such a letter. I urge members not to use Parliament to popularise material that appears on YouTube,” he said.
The Deputy Minister added that he entered politics to end “deal-making” and ensure transparency. “We not only protect the integrity of this institution but also direct anyone with business interests to the relevant authorities,” he said.
Responding to the statement, MP Rasamanickam questioned whether the Deputy Minister’s remarks were a personal statement or a matter that should be referred to the Privileges Committee.
“I urged the government to investigate this matter, examine the CCTV footage, and review the relevant letter. The Deputy Minister must not avoid accountability by issuing personal statements,” MP Rasamanickam said.
The exchange followed an allegation made earlier this week by MP Rasamanickam, claiming that Deputy Minister Abeysinghe and MP Najith Indika had met a businessman at the Kingsbury Hotel to discuss a distillery licence under questionable circumstances. (Newswire)