‘Abduction meant to blacken country’

True picture of Kumar Gunaratnam has been revealed :

Dharma Sri ABEYRATNE

Certain people are tarnishing the country’s image by levelling false and baseless allegations against the government in connection with the abduction of two members of the newly formed Frontline Socialist Party, Deputy Economic Development Minister and Acting Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

The intention of such fabrications is to denigrate the state in the eyes of the world and to inconvenience it, he said.

The minister who was addressing the media at the Information Department yesterday said the government flatly refutes allegations levelled at it pertaining to the abduction of Kumar Gunaratnam and Dimuthu Attygalle.

He said it is clearly indicated that the government has no connection with the abduction of the two members when considering their activities after their return.

“Investigations are being carried out regarding this incident since it brings a black mark to the country. Moreover, such incidents create a negative impression. The government will get the assistance of the Australian government in the investigations,” Abeywardena said..

“With this incident, the true picture of the person identified as Kumar Gunaratnam has been revealed not only to the country but also to the world. He has been appearing under many different names such as Ratnayake Mudiyanselage Dayalal, Wanniarachchilage Daskon, Noel Mudalige and Kumar Gunaratnam. Besides, it has been revealed that he uses different passports,” the minister said.

“Kumar Gunaratnam alias Noel Mudalige was deported to Australia on a request by the Australian government since he is an Australian citizen. Without causing any damage to the cordial relations between the two countries, the government took steps to deport this individual to Australia.

‘He had even overstayed his visa. He was fined for overstaying but he had no money with him to pay the fine. The High Commission was informed to pay the fine on his behalf,” he said.

Questioned by a journalist whether an unidentified group was behind the abduction, the deputy minister said two armed groups were engaging in terror activities in the country.

A faction in one of these groups may be behind such activities aiming to create mischief, he noted.

The minister said it is like part of a film when one considers that Kumar Gunaratnam himself reported to the CID without informing any of his party members while Dimuthu Attygalle came to the party headquarters.