Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana says he will take legal action against Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Priyantha Weerasooriya over what he described as false and damaging allegations linking him to organised crime.
Responding to the IGP’s statement that the threat to his life was connected to dealings with individuals involved in illegal businesses, MP Withana said the claim was baseless and intended to discredit him.
“I have no connection with the underworld. I have engaged in business legally since 1989. I have never been involved in any illegal activity,” the MP told the media today.
Withana further alleged that the IGP was angered by the fact that he had obtained police protection through the intervention of the Speaker after raising concerns in Parliament earlier this week.
He accused the IGP of attempting to create animosity between him and underworld groups, thereby putting his life in greater danger.
“I will take legal action against the IGP for these irresponsible and malicious remarks,” he added.
Earlier, IGP Weerasooriya told reporters that the threats to the MP were not politically motivated but related to his alleged associations with people engaged in criminal networks. (Newswire)