Rizana's execution was not a question of money - Keheliya

Ishara Mudugamuwa

Rizana Nafeek's execution was not a question of money, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

"There are baseless allegations against the government over the execution of Rizana Nafeek. These allegations make out that the government didn't take any measure to provide enough funds for the release of Rizana," the minister said.

"As a responsible person of the government, I strongly bare witness that the government was ready to pay blood money. I personally know that President Mahinda Rajapaksa requested the Saudi Government to release Rizana considering her as his own daughter.

He was even ready to send a signed blank check if they wanted to get blood money." said the minister. The Minister also said the mother of the four month old deceased Saudi baby was not ready to accept money for if she had accepted that money, the blame would be on her.

"She would be found fund fault with for negligence on her part in caring for the baby by giving the responsibly to a house maid to bottle feed her baby. This was the only reason for the execution of Rezana," the Minister said.