Mud slinging campaign against crossovers, says Lokuge

Shirley Wijesinghe

COLOMBO: Sports and Public Recreation Minister Gamini Lokuge said he has no objection to the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to inquire into any corruption allegation against him as claimed to contain in the interim report of Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE).

Addressing a media conference at “Seth Sevana” in Kirillapona yesterday, Lokuge also hit out against allegations levelled at ministers Karu Jayasuriya and Milinda Moragoda by a weekend newspaper quoting the COPE interim report. “This is only an interim report. This is an exercise in mud slinging,” he said.

“I have already sent a letter of demand to the newspaper concerned. I will file a case against them if they fail to pay damages,” the Minister said.

The Minister made a lengthy explanation on the privatisation procedure followed by the Ranil Wickremesinghe Government. He said it was conducted by an Economic Affairs Committee appointed by the last UNP Government. There is no point in singling out only a few members. The Cabinet led by former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe was clearly aware of what took place, he said.

Certain media institutions influenced by interested parties are trying to target the UNPers who joined the Government. “This is a blatant lie” , the Minister said adding that the present Government is strong enough to face any challenges and there is no need for them return to the UNP.

Addressing the Media Plan Implementation Minister P.Dayaratne compared the present situation in the East to the period immediately before 2001 in that the people led a more secure life.

Referring to Tuesday’ helicopter incident in Batticaloa Minister Dayaratne said at least now the international community should realise the true position.

Former Samurdhi Minister R.A. D. Sirisena also participated in the Media conference.