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Last Updated : 2024-04-16 10:08:00
4 July 2018 08:05 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Joint Opposition today hinted at the direct involvement of Finance and Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera behind the controversial New York Times Report, which alleged that a Chinese company had funded the campaign of Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in January 2015.
Joint Opposition member MP Shehan Semasinghe told a news conference that Minister Samaraweera’s anxiety had revealed that he was behind the New York Times report, which was aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Former President Rajapaksa.
He said such moves were also earlier carried by some parties prior to the Presidential Election in 2015 targeting Mr Rajapaksa and added that the Government was currently also in an attempt to repeat the same agenda in order to gain more votes at the forthcoming decisive elections in the country.
“A US State report has revealed that the US has funded US$ 585 million for three countries including Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Nigeria to establish Good Governance through Presidential Election in 2015. The New York Times should also make revelations on this matter. The Government should also be answerable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Joint Opposition member MP Kanchana Wijesekera said the two local journalists, who were involved in the controversial New York Times report were close affiliates of Minister Samaraweera.
He said a report, similar to the New York Times report, was earlier carried out by a State newspaper in 2015 by the same journalists indicating their involvement in the New York Times report.
“This New York Times Report has targeted the upcoming elections. The Government is in an attempt to conceal the burning issues in the country, including the uprising underworld activities, with these kinds of false reports,” he said.
“We would like to make an open invitation to NY Times International Editor Michael Slackman and South Asia Correspondent at Times, Maria Abi-Habib to arrive in Sri Lanka to discuss the controversy with their findings. We are ready to bear all the needed expenses,” he said. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)
Video by Sanjeewa
raj Wednesday, 04 July 2018 08:11 PM
If it is not true, MR can sue NYT.
Unchikun Wednesday, 04 July 2018 08:20 PM
Why is the JO worried as to who is behind this report if it is false. File a case and clear the looters name.
Ruvan Wednesday, 04 July 2018 08:50 PM
The ordinary people of this country have to pay back the Chinese every dollar that was taken, with interest. Those who obtained loans and grants don't care about people's difficulties. Especially the family.
Zub Wednesday, 04 July 2018 09:05 PM
Why call them if you can prove the report is false. If a person is innocent you can file a petition in the US courts and claim a handsome compensation leaving all these options, why this nonsense?
hans perlee Thursday, 05 July 2018 04:28 AM
international law states that you have to give the other party involved the chance to react and show evidence that what they write is true. if they can't or won't then you can sue them
Sunil Wednesday, 04 July 2018 09:06 PM
Certain countries do not wish to see a well developed Sri Lanka. They too can tarnish images of potential leaders.
C.K.Lankaputhra Wednesday, 04 July 2018 09:09 PM
What concerns is not who is behind, but whether the scam was commited and cheated the people of the country.
Mathnet Thursday, 05 July 2018 06:43 AM
Something not logically right here.According to Mangala, MR robbed $18 billion in 10 years. The total economy of Sri Lanka Gdp consisting of all exports imports and all services grew from $49 biliion to $76 billion during this period. Decide whether this is possible.Now think why MR would risk everything by soliciting $7.6 million petty cash from the Chinese for elections.Either first statement isa lie. Or second statement is a lie. Or both are lies. Those are the rational options.
Mandy Thursday, 05 July 2018 11:53 AM
Regret your convoluted reasoning is faulty. Simply said: Your No.1 is very possible. No.2 Rich men grab more money especially if given free. No.3 there was no risk as he was sure of winning and covering up.
Yeti Thursday, 05 July 2018 07:47 AM
It does not matter who is behind the NYT report, but the truth matters!!!
CITIZEN Thursday, 05 July 2018 09:26 AM
Now that the NYT has officially informed to contact them direct regards the Report why cannot MR or anyone of his coterie contact them direct and sort out matters if the Report is false and it is only a mud-slinging exercise??? Even, this JOker who speaks as if Hambantota Rock is in his mouth can contact them if he is certain that MR did not receive the money!
karsha Thursday, 05 July 2018 12:44 PM
Dear Sir,History does not permit us to beleive that MR is innocent.(SUNAMI ?)
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