Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam today questioned why state‑owned banks apply harsh recovery laws against small borrowers while allowing politically connected and wealthy defaulters owing billions to remain untouched.

Raising the matter in Parliament through a Standing Order 27(2) Question addressed to the Minister of Finance, MP Shanakiyan noted that ordinary citizens who default on modest loans face swift enforcement through Parate Execution and other mechanisms, with homes, businesses, and vehicles seized. 

In contrast, he asked what action has been taken to recover billions owed by some of the country’s largest loan defaulters, stressing that state‑owned banks lend not government money but the savings of the people of Sri Lanka, which must be protected. 

Shanakiyan requested the Minister to table details of the 20 largest nonperforming loan accounts currently outstanding and the 20 largest loans written off in the past 15 years across the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, National Savings Bank, Regional Development Bank, and State Mortgage & Investment Bank.

The MP asked for comprehensive information on each account, including the borrower, outstanding or written‑off amount, year of issuance, collateral, restructuring status, recovery progress, and whether legal or disciplinary action has been taken against bank officials involved. He also called for a consolidated report on recovery action, with at least an interim report within three months if full details are not immediately available.

He reminded the House of a recent court judgment against a politician who had obtained billions in loans from a state‑owned bank, used the funds for private lending, and failed to repay. He said allegations also exist that certain officials facilitated such transactions, and the public deserves to know what action has been taken.

The Minister requested additional time to compile the information. 

“There cannot be one standard for the ordinary citizen and another for those with money, power or political influence. Public money belongs to the people, and accountability must be equal,” Shanakiyan concluded. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has called for an immediate investigation into allegations that hotels operating in the Pasikudah tourism zone have failed to pay the statutory 1% tax due to the local authority under the Pradeshiya Sabha Act for several years.

Speaking in Parliament, Shanakiyan said Pasikudah is home to 17 hotels, which reportedly make payments to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) but have allegedly neglected their mandatory contributions to the local council. 

Rasamanickam warned that if proven, this represents a substantial loss of public funds that should have been used for local infrastructure, sanitation, public services, and community development.

The MP noted that these concerns arise amid continued neglect of tourism development in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, where adequate budgetary allocations have not been made since 2018 despite significant tourism potential. 

Many of the hotel properties in Pasikudah were leased to major investors under the post‑war tourism programme initiated by then Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, and Rasamanickam stressed that such investors must be held accountable for all tax and legal obligations.

He further alleged that an official named Mahir, attached to the SLTDA office in Pasikudah for about 12 years, has consistently failed to cooperate with requests for information and instead acted in the interests of certain hotel operators. These allegations, he said, warrant an independent inquiry.

Rasamanickam charged that the Government has failed to collect revenue that rightfully belongs to the local authority, depriving the public of funds generated from hotel operations. 

He urged the Ministry of Tourism, SLTDA, Ministry of Local Government, the Auditor General, and other relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation, recover unpaid taxes, and take legal action against any individual or institution found to have violated the law. (Newswire)

Pasikudah Hotels Have Not Paid Local Council Tax for Years: Immediate Investigation Urgently Needed

It is a matter of serious concern that hotels operating in the Pasikudah tourism zone have allegedly failed to pay the statutory 1% tax due to the relevant local authority under…

— Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) July 24, 2026

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Tamil Members of Parliament today (23) commemorated the 43rd anniversary of Black July in Parliament, remembering the victims of the anti-Tamil violence of July 1983 and renewing calls for justice and accountability.

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, in a post on ‘X’, noted that forty‑three years have passed since the atrocities that forever changed the lives of the Tamil people. 

He said that despite political and social changes over the past four decades, “there has still been no justice and no accountability.”

Rasamanickam emphasized that the memories of those killed, the homes burned, and the scars left behind remain unhealed in the hearts of Tamils. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has cautioned that the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) must not be used selectively or as a political weapon, stressing the need for impartiality and transparency in parliamentary oversight.

He said while COPE plays a vital role in ensuring accountability in public institutions, there is growing concern that its reports are increasingly being used for political targeting rather than as the basis for independent investigations.

“Once a COPE report is tabled in Parliament, it should not be used to publicly condemn individuals or institutions before investigations are completed and before any court of law has determined liability. Due process and the presumption of innocence are fundamental principles that must be respected,” Shanakiyan said in a post on X.

The MP also highlighted inconsistencies in the selection of matters for COPE inquiry, noting that some issues receive extensive attention while others of equal or greater importance are overlooked.

“As a member of the previous COPE Committee, I exposed the massive non‑performing loan portfolios of the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank and the National Savings Bank, involving billions of rupees in public funds. Yet today, these issues appear to have disappeared from the national conversation, while other matters are selectively prioritised,” he observed.

Shanakiyan emphasized that public confidence in COPE depends not only on its findings but also on the integrity of its selection process.

He insisted that every allegation of corruption, fraud, or financial mismanagement must be investigated equally, without fear or favour.

“COPE must remain an independent oversight mechanism, not a forum for political targeting. Equal standards, transparency in case selection, and respect for due process are essential to preserving public trust in Parliament’s oversight role,” he added. (Newswire)

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Seventeen years after the end of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict, large tracts of privately owned civilian lands in the Northern and Eastern Provinces remain under military occupation, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam told Parliament today (08).

MP Rasamanickam said the Government must fulfil its election pledge to expedite the release of occupied lands and enable resettlement. 

He welcomed the recent release of two military camps in Batticaloa, following the concerns raised at the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Defence, chaired by the President as Minister of Defence, but stressed that the pace of land releases remains far too slow.

The MP noted that continued military occupation hampers reconciliation, resettlement, and economic recovery, adding that except where there are genuine national security requirements, military deployment should be progressively reduced to levels comparable with the rest of the country.

Shanakiyan highlighted ongoing peaceful protests in Palaly, Myliddy, and Keppapilavu, where communities demand the return of their lands. 

He pointed out that the National People’s Power (NPP) secured a ward in Palaly at the recent Local Government Election largely on its promise to release civilian lands, saying, “The people who placed their trust in that promise now deserve to see it fulfilled.”

He called on the Government to present Parliament with a district‑by‑district breakdown of lands still under military occupation, the extent released since the current administration took office, and a timeline for releasing the remainder. 

Shanakiyan further outlined specific unresolved issues, such as:

• Myliddy: 556 acres belonging to around 700 families.
• Palaly: 556 acres belonging to about 300 families.
• Karaichchi Public Library: Land required for expansion.
• Iranamadu Agricultural Research Institute: Land still occupied.
• Keppapilavu: 59.5 acres remain under military control, with families only given temporary plots.

Rejecting claims that Keppapilavu residents had been provided with alternative lands, Shanakiyan said only a limited number of families had received temporary allocations. 

He urged the Government to accelerate demilitarisation in the North and East, stressing: “The affected communities have waited long enough.” (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has welcomed a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld People’s Bank’s right to auction mortgaged properties to recover an outstanding debt of over USD 1.42 million from Daya Group Limited and Daya Apparel Export (Pvt) Ltd.

In a post on ‘X’, Shanakiyan revealed that in 2021, he exposed Rs. 54 billion in non-performing loans held by People’s Bank and questioned why politically connected and powerful borrowers were allowed to remain in default for years while ordinary citizens faced immediate consequences. 

He further said that the Court has now dismissed a writ application filed by Daya Group Limited and Daya Apparel Export (Pvt) Ltd, finding that the borrowers had defaulted, engaged in repeated rescheduling discussions, sought postponements of auctions, and delayed challenging the bank’s recovery action for more than a year and eight months.

“This is a welcome step towards recovering public funds. However, this is only one case. Many other large borrowers identified in the COPE findings have remained in possession of substantial assets while their loans continued to sit as non-performing on the books of state banks, despite assurances that legal action was underway,” he said.

Pointing out that when an ordinary citizen defaults on a small loan, recovery action is swift and unforgiving,  Shanakiyan said the same standard must apply to wealthy and influential borrowers. 

“Public money belongs to the people, and accountability cannot depend on who owes the debt,” he added. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam today (05) extended congratulations to Indian actor‑turned‑politician C. Joseph Vijay on what he described as a historic election victory.

Speaking in Parliament, Rasamanickam said that as the premier Tamil political party in Sri Lanka, they look forward to working closely with the Government of Tamil Nadu and the people of Tamil Nadu.

His remarks come in the wake of Vijay’s electoral success in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026, where his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the largest party. (Newswire)

Congratulations to Joseph Vijay on a historic victory. As the premier Tamil political party in Sri Lanka, we look forward to working closely with the Government of Tamil Nadu and the people of Tamil Nadu.

இலங்கை பாராளுமன்றத்தில் இருந்து..!
முதல் முதலாக..! தமிழக வெற்றிக் கழக… pic.twitter.com/hPeqmxZysH

— Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) May 5, 2026

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A peaceful protest was held at Gandhi Park in Batticaloa today (27), as residents and relatives of victims demanded swift justice following a series of brutal crimes in the area.

The demonstration was sparked by the murder of a woman whose body was found in a well in the Kokkadicholai Police Division on March 20, and the attempted murder of another woman who survived a similar attack. 

Opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, together with residents of Batticaloa and relatives of the victims, handed over a petition to the Chairman of the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee, Minister Sunil Handunneththi, expressing grief and outrage and urging police to take stronger action against criminal gangs targeting women.

Police investigations have since led to the arrest of five suspects, including a woman, in connection with the incidents. 

Authorities revealed that the group allegedly lured women travelling alone into a three‑wheeler, drugged them with intoxicating substances, robbed them of jewellery, and threw them into wells while unconscious. 

One victim died, while another survived and was admitted to Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. In a separate case, a mother travelling with her three‑year‑old child was attacked. The child was later found abandoned but safe.

Further arrests were made after stolen jewellery was recovered, and police are probing whether the suspects were involved in other similar crimes. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala today clarified that a tense situation was reported in Trincomalee yesterday over the placing of a Buddha Statue at a Dhamma School in a Buddhist Temple in the area.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said the statue was immediately removed by the Police following the tense situation.

He further said that, however, steps have been taken to place the statue at the Dhamma school today, and that special police protection would be provided for the safety of the statue. 

“The statue was removed yesterday after the Police had received information on possible vandalism. The tense situation had arisen due to the Buddha statue. We have issued a directive to the Police to place the statue at the Dhamma school today. A special security plan will also be implemented from today for the safety of the statue,” he said.

Minister Wijepala further clarified that the Department of Coast Conservation had filed a complaint with regard to a restaurant operating in the area, claiming that it was illegal.

He said the Police are taking the necessary measures to initiate legal action in this regard. “We can only act in this regard based on the court’s directive,” he added.

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, who previously praised the minister for removing the statue, slammed the latter for backtracking on his actions, using vandalism as a reason. 

“A major U-turn by the Public Security Minister this morning. He has walked back his earlier stance and now says the illegal temple will receive police protection, claiming the statue was removed only to prevent vandalism. It’s an embarrassing climbdown, and it’s obvious the minister and the government have given in to nationalist pressure,” he said, in a post on ‘X’. 

Slamming the minister’s reference to vandalism, MP Shanakiyan pointed out that the Tamil Community has never destroyed religious shrines, not even during a 30-year war.

“And let’s be honest. Tamil people have never destroyed religious shrines, not even during a 30-year war. Using “vandalism” as an excuse is not just unconvincing, it’s an insult to a community that has always respected places of worship,” he added. 

A video circulated on social media shows a Buddhist monk stating that the site is a religious heritage location. However, it was also reported that the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Conservation Department, and complaints had been filed regarding unauthorized activity on the premises.

According to the Police, the land is subject to a court order prohibiting any development. A group had reportedly brought a Buddha statue to the site, which was taken to the police station, after a tense situation. (Newswire)

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The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) will abstain from voting on the second reading of the Budget 2026, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam informed Parliament today.

Addressing the Parliament, MP Shanakiyan said that the ITAK had decided a week ago to vote against the Budget 2026, as the government had failed to heed issues regarding the Tamil community.

MP Shanakiyan said, however, the President had agreed to a meeting with the ITAK next week to discuss the party’s concerns.

Stating that it is only a year since the government came into power, the MP said they have a few more years to discuss and resolve the issues. 

“We still have hope in the President. We will not vote for or against the government today, only because, as a measure of goodwill, trusting the President and putting our faith in the President, that the President will resolve our issues, will listen to us, and that he will look after the Tamil peoples’ political issues. Also that the President will bring in a new constitution that will include the Tamil peoples’ aspirations. At least in the coming few months, the President will listen to the victim community on the accountability issues and will act on the land issues. This is only because we want to engage as a goodwill gesture,” he added. 

MP Shanakiyan said that the ITAK’s abstention from voting today is a serious message to the world that the party was still trying to work with the government and wants to work with them. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has accused Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe of misleading Parliament in relation to an allegation linked to discussions on a questionable distillery licence.

Taking to ‘X’, MP Rasamanickam said the Deputy Minister was misleading Parliament, as he had read out a personal statement and not a privilege issue, which was also confirmed by the Deputy Speaker in Parliament yesterday. 

“I have asked the Government to investigate this matter, check CCTV and the documents. But clearly, the Minister does not want an investigation. which is exactly why he avoided raising a privilege issue in the first place,” MP Rasamanickam said. 

His statement comes in response to Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe’s statement in Parliament yesterday.

Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe made the statement in reply to an allegation made earlier this week by MP Rasamanickam, claiming that the Deputy Minister and MP Najith Indika had met a businessman at the Kingsbury Hotel to discuss a distillery licence under questionable circumstances.

Raising a privilege issue in Parliament yesterday, in relation to the allegation, 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.

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 urge 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. (Newswire)

The Deputy Minister is misleading Parliament. He read out a personal statement, not a privilege issue ,as even the Deputy Speaker confirmed.

I have asked the Government to investigate this matter, check CCTV and the documents. But clearly, the Minister does not want an… https://t.co/RCNinLYxau pic.twitter.com/xjAWjHbLn0

— Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) October 25, 2025

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Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena has shot down claims by MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam that the portfolios of Ports and Civil Aviation had been removed from Minister Bimal Rathnayake, likely due to allegations linked to the “323 container controversy”.

Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena explained that the ministerial portfolio of Minister Rathnayake was amended during the Cabinet reshuffle today, simply due to the Urban Development Ministry being brought under the purview of the Transport Ministry.

Revealing the government’s plan to establish several multi-modal transport centers across the country, he stated that urban development is intrinsically linked to the success of these major infrastructure projects and that the Urban Development portfolio is more closely aligned with the Transport Ministry’s current goals. 

“Do you think that a person like Bimal Rathnayake, who has dedicated his entire life to public service, can be bulldozed through an incident like the container controversy? It is evident that these people have failed to understand us,” the Deputy Minister added. 

Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena made the remarks in Parliament today, in response to an earlier statement made by opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam. (Newswire)

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A relay hunger strike by relatives of the disappeared was held in Thambilluvil, Ampara, entering its final stage in the North and East.

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam today participated in the final leg of the hunger strike. 

The protest was organised by the Association of Relatives of the Forcibly Disappeared.

According to the MP, they demand international justice for enforced disappearances, mass graves, and other atrocities, rejecting Sri Lanka’s domestic mechanisms as cover-ups. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam says the hartal called by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) today, over the controversial death of a youth in Mullaitivu, was a resounding success. 

In a post on ‘X’, MP Shanakiyan said, a decision was taken to limit the hartal to 12 pm today, following assurances given by the government on the matter. 

“Following yesterday’s press briefing by the Cabinet Spokesperson, and based on assurances given regarding the investigation and steps being taken towards the removal of army camps, we decided to limit the hartal until 12 pm,” he said. 

MP Shanakiyan further condemned the actions of NPP members in the North and East who have reportedly threatened shop owners to keep their businesses open or face legal consequences.

“Such intimidation is a clear violation of the people’s democratic right to protest,” MP Shanakiyan added. 

The hartal was organized by the ITAK after the death of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj, who reportedly entered an Army camp in Oddusuddan and was later found dead in the Muttaiyankattu Tank. 

Three Army personnel have been arrested and produced in court, though the Sri Lanka Army has denied involvement. (Newswire)

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Heads of local councils controlled by the Illankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) have arrived at the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee (DCC) meeting in garbage collection tractors, in a move of protest.

In a post on ‘X’, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said they had arrived in such a manner, after the NPP government confiscated and planned to auction off their official vehicles. 

He pointed out that this move follows the President’s pre-election statement, indicating an intention to undermine local councils not won by the NPP.

“The official justification for seizing the vehicles was their high maintenance cost. However, in a clear contradiction, the Governor of the Eastern Province continues to use a V8 Land Cruiser, an expensive vehicle that incurs significant costs to the government,” MP Shanakiyan added. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has raised serious concerns regarding the Chemmani mass graves in Jaffna, including the preservation of the skeletal remains found thus far.

In a statement on ‘X’, MP Rasamanickam highlighted four key concerns regarding the mass graves where 33 skeletal remains have been found as of yesterday.  

The Batticaloa District MP says, in contrast to the Kokkuththoduvai site, where temporary yet sturdy structures were erected to shield the graves from direct rainfall and water runoff, Chemmmani appears to have only a basic shelter providing shade, pointing out that this inadequate protection may risk further damage to the remains.

The MP further states that despite the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) stating that journalists are permitted access twice daily, media personnel are currently only allowed five minutes at 4:30 PM each day. 

“In comparison, Kokkuththoduvai allowed journalists access three times a day, at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 4:30 PM. Given the growing number of journalists covering the site, more time is clearly needed for proper documentation,” he stressed.

Revealing that site security is reportedly being handled by both police and local cemetery workers, MP Rasamanickam said, however, questions remain about whether this level of protection is adequate and whether it might affect public trust in the integrity of the process.

The MP also raised concerns over the lack of CCTV cameras at the Chemmani site so far. 

“Officials claim this is because the site is more accessible than Kokkuththoduvai, where cameras were installed due to its remote location. Still, the presence of fully operational CCTV surveillance at Chemmani would enhance transparency and help maintain public confidence,” he added.

Excavation at Sittupatthu in Chemmani, Jaffna began on 15 May following a court directive, after workers from the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha discovered fragments of human bones on 20 February while clearing land for a construction project. The work is being carried out by a team of archaeologists led by Professor Raj Somadeva. (Newswire)

Concerns Regarding the Chemmmani Mass Graves

1.A total of 33 bodies have been exhumed so far.https://t.co/Ibqx8MYrbj contrast to the Kokkuththoduvai site, where temporary yet sturdy structures were erected to shield the graves from direct rainfall and water runoff, Chemmmani… pic.twitter.com/f7R4FmeCWA

— Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) June 30, 2025

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Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) candidate Sivam Pakkiyanathan has been elected as the Mayor of the Batticaloa Municipal Council, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said today.

Taking to ‘X’, MP Shanakiyan said that Sivam Pakkiyanathan had been elected with the support of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) members. 

“In a surprising turn, the NPP government reportedly employed various unconventional tactics to rally support for their candidate, even going so far as to form an alliance with former MP Pillayan’s Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP),” he said. 

MP Shanakiyan pointed out that given that Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, remains in custody over multiple serious allegations, the government’s willingness to align with such a figure in pursuit of power has raised serious concerns. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam today presented a Private Member’s Bill to Parliament proposing amendments to the Provincial Councils Elections Act.

In a post on ‘X’, MP Shanakiyan said the Bill, which was taken up for its first reading, if enacted, will empower the Election Commission to call for Provincial Council elections. 

“The President, Prime Minister, and other government members have repeatedly affirmed their commitment to holding these elections by late 2025 or early 2026,” he further said. 

MP Shanakiyan emphasised that the government now has the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment by extending its full support to ensure the swift passage of this bill and honouring its promise to the people. (Newswire)

Today, I presented a Private Member’s Bill to Parliament proposing amendments to the Provincial Councils Elections Act, which was taken up for its first reading. If enacted, this legislation will empower the Election Commission to call for Provincial Council elections. The… pic.twitter.com/awQ6YPzxhJ

— Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) June 5, 2025

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has raised concerns regarding an alleged conspiracy linked to certain key former state officials, including a prominent former government minister. 

Addressing the Parliament, MP Shanakiyan questioned if the government was aware of a meeting that had taken place at a business place belonging to a prominent former minister two days before the court order to arrest suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. 

“This is a serious issue. Former Director of Military Intelligence Brigadier (Retired) Chula Rathnasiri Kodithuwakku and former Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) Director, ASP Nevil Silva had participated in the meeting,” he revealed. 

MP Shanakiyan further said that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, had been invited for the meeting, but as he could not attend it, his close associate Iniyabharathi had attended the talks. 

“Iniyabarathi stayed at a prominent Colombo Hotel. He was driven to the meeting by an individual identified as Sudha. Iniyabarathi is a person known to be involved in several past crimes, including murders. There are also details about Pillayan,” he said. 

Raising doubts of a conspiracy, MP Shanakiyan questioned if the government was addressing threats to national security, when it is still unable to locate suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon and the female suspect wanted over the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa. (Newswire)

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An individual who was interdicted over financial crimes during his tenure at the  State Fertilizer Company is currently serving as a Cabinet Minister under the new government, opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said. 

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Shanakiyan said the individual is now seated in the front row of the Parliament, adding he does not like to name the person. 

He further said that the individual had been accused of financial crimes at the State Fertilizer Company during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s previous tenure as the Minister of Agriculture.

MP Shanakiyan went on to say that it was normal for the opposition to be concerned and suspicious if corruption was continuing when such individuals have been given important roles in the government and are seated in Parliament.

He made the remarks while addressing the government’s decision regarding renewable energy projects and the issues surrounding the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). (Newswire)

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