SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has defended former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa following questions over his continued stay in the United States despite facing scrutiny over several legal and corruption-related matters in Sri Lanka.
Speaking to the media, Namal Rajapaksa rejected claims that Basil Rajapaksa was avoiding the law, stating that he does not believe any member of the Rajapaksa family is evading legal proceedings.
“People in the Government speak to my uncle more often than I do. Whether he is remaining abroad based on their advice, I do not know. You will have to ask them and my uncle. However, he continues to be represented within the judicial process,” Namal Rajapaksa said.
He noted that Basil Rajapaksa remains represented before Sri Lankan courts through his lawyers and that the relevant legal processes are continuing.
Responding to criticism that members of the Rajapaksa family were avoiding court proceedings by remaining overseas, Namal Rajapaksa said legal representation was taking place through the proper channels and that the judicial process was being followed.
He also questioned the Government’s priorities, claiming that greater attention was being placed on investigations involving Rajapaksa family members while several issues affecting the public remained unresolved.
Namal Rajapaksa pointed to challenges faced by farmers, including rising fertiliser costs and difficulties in selling produce, as well as concerns in the tea sector, factory closures, job losses and the resignation of public officials.
He further alleged that the Government was attempting to gain political advantage by focusing on high-profile investigations rather than addressing economic and governance issues facing the country. (Newswire)