Former Member of Parliament Hirunika Premachandra has denied any links to an alleged organised crime figure known as “Kehelbaddara Padme,” following questioning by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) last week.
In a statement, Premachandra said she was questioned by CID regarding an alleged telephone communication in 2024 with an individual identified as “Padmasiri,” who investigators claim is linked to the suspect.
Premachandra stated that during the questioning, she was asked whether she had received a phone call in 2024 from the alleged organised crime figure or had maintained any form of contact with him. She said she categorically denied ever having any direct or indirect communication or association with the individual.
According to Premachandra, investigators informed her that the suspect had allegedly claimed he had contacted her via a WhatsApp conference call under the name “Padmasiri” and had offered assistance during election activities. She said she strongly rejected the allegation.
The former MP further said that as a public representative who regularly receives numerous calls, it would be unreasonable to question her about an unspecified phone conversation said to have occurred nearly two years ago without concrete evidence.
Premachandra also expressed concern over media reports suggesting she had maintained links with an organised crime figure and that she had been questioned for nearly three hours. She said her statement was recorded within approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
She described the reports as damaging to her reputation and reiterated that she has never maintained any relationship with the alleged criminal figure.
Premachandra also rejected what she described as attempts to drag her late family members into the controversy, calling the dissemination of what she termed false information unacceptable.
She said she is prepared to cooperate with any lawful investigation into her assets or conduct but warned that she would pursue legal action against individuals who spread false allegations or defamatory statements. (Newswire)