Ready to face death penalty : Rishad

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera   

Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said yesterday if anyone had doubt that he was involved in extremist terrorism, they could complain to the CID or police and that he was ready to face even the death penalty, if found guilty.  

“If anyone had a doubt that I was supporting extremism, complain to the CID or police. I am ready to assist the police in the investigations. Give me the maximum punishment, even capital punishment if I was found guilty. I am ready for that,” he said and requested everyone not to take revenge from the Muslim community.  

He told parliament that the Muslim Ministers resigned from their portfolios on behalf of the country and not because of the fear to anyone.  

“We resigned from our positions for the sake of the country and to protect the country. Investigations should be conducted without any hindrance” he said.  

MP Bathiudeen said the country had suffered a 30-year long war and that the country should not be led to a situation where bombs are exploded and the resurgence of violence.  

“If anyone had a doubt that I was supporting extremism, complain to the CID or police. I am ready to assist the police in the investigations. Give me the maximum punishment, even capital punishment if I was found guilty. I am ready for that,” he said and requested everyone not to take revenge from the Muslim community.  

He told parliament that the Muslim Ministers resigned from their portfolios on behalf of the country and not because of the fear to anyone.  

“We resigned from our positions for the sake of the country and to protect the country. Investigations should be conducted without any hindrance” he said.  

MP Bathiudeen said the country had suffered a 30-year long war and that the country should not be led to a situation where bombs are exploded and the resurgence of violence.