Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has criticised the United National Party (UNP) over its response to the remanding of SLPP National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa, accusing the party of attempting to defend individuals facing corruption allegations.
Jayatissa said Rajapaksa being remanded was not unprecedented, noting that he had previously been remanded on more than one occasion when Ranil Wickremesinghe was prime minister.
“Namal Rajapaksa being accused or remanded is nothing unusual. This is not the first time he has been remanded,” the minister said.
He said the latest case relates to an allegation dating back several years, with investigations accelerating after the current government took office.
Jayatissa said the Bribery Commission had investigated allegations involving an alleged bribe of around Rs. 100 million connected to an Airbus transaction before reporting facts to court.
“The Commission reported the facts to court after conducting the investigation. It was the court that made the decision to remand him. That is the process that took place,” he said.
Responding to a statement issued by the UNP following Rajapaksa’s remand, Jayatissa claimed it demonstrated the position the party had now taken.
“I think even those who love the UNP and those who worked for the party for a long time would be surprised to see such a statement,” he said.
Jayatissa accused the UNP of siding with those facing allegations of corruption and criminal wrongdoing, claiming several individuals associated with the party were themselves facing allegations.
“Today, all of them have come together, and when one of their own is arrested, they oppose it through media statements or voice cuts,” he said.
The minister stressed that investigations were conducted by the relevant authorities and that decisions on remanding suspects were made by courts after facts were presented. (Newswire)
