UNP has no deal with Govt. to arrest Sajith: Akila

1 August 2020 06:15 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

There is no deal between the government and the United National Party (UNP) to arrest Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariywasam said yesterday.

He told a news conference that instead a deal between the government and the SJB was more of a possibility with the government gaining from the split in the UNP.

“It were those who formed the SJB who separated from the UNP despite the offer made to Mr. Premadasa to make him the Prime Ministerial candidate, to form an alliance and to appoint him as the head of the nomination board. In addition I offered to step down from the post of general secretary to pave the way for the SJB General Secretary to be appointed as the new UNP General Secretary. However, it was Mr. Premadasa and his supporters who decided to contest separately,” Mr. Kariyawasam said.

He said he was unaware about any misappropriation of money in the Central Cultural Fund (CCF).

“I was a member of the CCF Administrative Council in my capacity of being the Chairman of the UNESCO National Commission and no one sought the Council’s approval to spend any funds. I am not aware of the allegations that have been made against Mr. Premadasa by the committee appointed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa,” Mr. Kariyawasama said. “There was Rs.4.5 billion in the CCF when I handed it over to the ministry of cultural affairs. There was on Rs.300 million when I took over the ministry. There was US$150,000 in the dollar account which we opened. Daily revenue from Sigriya exceeded Rs.10 million during my time."

He said the money in the fund was only used with the approval of the administrative council.

"The previous government spent a lot on preserving some of the sites. Rs.80 million was spent to develop Deegawapiya,” Mr. Kariayawasam said. By Yohan Perera

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 11

Sunil Saturday, 01 August 2020 06:45 AM

What about Central Bank Bond deals of both previous governments Akila? .

Sambo Saturday, 01 August 2020 08:15 AM

You guys are so desperate that nothing is impossible.

Waruna Saturday, 01 August 2020 08:54 AM

Remember real Sinhalese Men are among Sri Lankan’s ! Not all the time people tolerate your political gimmicks!

FF Saturday, 01 August 2020 09:25 AM

SO THERE GOES PLAN NO 1

Ranjith Saturday, 01 August 2020 10:15 AM

You have a deal with the government Akila why do the government is seeking 2/3 you know that as well

Johan Saturday, 01 August 2020 10:17 AM

UNP is very slow in decision making.You gave him one month gap to contest Presidential Election if it had been atleast before 4months Definitely he would have won.Sajith group felt You were doing the same mistake in General election also.What they did is correct.

Ranjith Saturday, 01 August 2020 04:04 PM

UNP candidates joining SLPP so far 3 from Matara district and you are taking about Sajith shame on you

AB Saturday, 01 August 2020 09:25 PM

Those contestants are coming to earn money,it's possible only if in government side,so these Matara mudalalis also trying not to be loser in next 5years

Neville Gunasekara Saturday, 01 August 2020 05:58 PM

Nobody categorically said so!

Neville Gunasekara Saturday, 01 August 2020 06:02 PM

If no one sought approval from the Admin. Council to make payments, which is a pr-requisite, how come an amount of such magnitude has been spent?

DGee Saturday, 01 August 2020 06:03 PM

It was all under Yahapalanaya regime and all are answerable if there are irregularities.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

UNP has no deal with Govt. to arrest Sajith: Akila

Comments - 11

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

April 15 declared a government holiday

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

MIRROR CRICKET

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Debt Restructuring Talks: Bondholders Fear Regime Change Impact

Don’t be deceived by NPP and Cardinal Ranjith: UNP

Emirates halts check-in for connections, UL cancels flights to Dubai

Plans afoot to obtain “Blue Flag Beaches” certification for SL beaches

Hardik fined Rs 12 lakh for violating IPL code of conduct after win over Punjab Kings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings