House calls for probe on Ranjan’s claim

Allegation on Ministers/ MPs using narcotics

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana 

Both Opposition and Government MPs yesterday called for an independent investigation on the recent statement made by State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake that he had given the names of Ministers and MPs who use cocaine to the Speaker and to the CID.   

UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardene who raised the issue in Parliament said the matter should be probed while the names of these MPs should be revealed. “Revealing the names of these MPs should be done so that names of MPs who have never even seen cocaine could be cleared” Mr. Gunawardene said.   

The Speaker, Prime Minister and UNP Leader should make a statement on it.   

Opposition MP Shehan Semasinghe said blood tests should be carried out to identify the MPs who are using cocaine.   

Minister Ravi Karunanayake said this is an instance where State Minister Ramanayake had come up with a false statement to get air time and space in media. “We have to stop this joke,” the Minister said.   

UPFA MP Ranjith Soysa said one cannot dismiss the statements that are made by Mr. Ramanayake as the statements he makes are usually accurate.   

Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said UNP parliamentary group discussed the issue yesterday and it was decided to appoint a committee headed by him, and comprising Dr. Ashu Marasinghe, Eran Wickramaratne and Nissanka Nanayakkara who is not an MP. “ It is not sufficient to probe the matter by UNP alone. Therefore Parliament should conduct a probe as well,” Mr. Kiriella added.     

• The matter should be probed while the names of these MPs should be revealed - Bandula
• Blood tests should be carried out to identify the MPs who are using cocaine - Shehan