Malicious statement:

Minister to take legal action against UNP MP

Cultural Affairs Minister Piyasiri Wijenayake said yesterday he would take legal action against the false and malicious statement made by UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera under the cover of Parliament privileges about the official vehicle given to him from the Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Ministry.

Issuing a press release yesterday, Minister Wijenayake pointed out that although he is entitled to three official vehicles, as the Cultural Affairs Minister he had taken only one official vehicle from the Ministry for his use.

Minister Wijenayake pointed out that Jayasekera in his statement had stated he had used 833 litres of petrol at a cost of Rs. 180,290 for July.

This is completely false as the vehicle he was using is a diesel vehicle and he has not used at least half of the mentioned amount for fuel from the date he assumed duties as the Minister.

He said he had taken steps to reduce the cost by not accepting the two official land phones entitled to him as the Minister.

Malicious statements of this nature is the beginning of a conspiracy at a time the Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Ministry is taking measures to have a cultural reawakening in the country which has been fully liberated by war heroes, the Minister said.

He said malicious statements of this nature will not affect him and he would continue with his plans and assure that public funds will not be misused at any time in his political career.