Yoshitha denies owning hotel inside Sinharaja

24 August 2020 09:47 am - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Mr. Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, yesterday denied allegations by environmentalist Sajeeva Chamikara, that the controversial road construction inside the Sinharaja Forest Reserve was being done by the army to connect the main road to a hotel owned by him.

Daily Mirror was informed by Yoshitha that he owned no hotels or resorts inside the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the accusations levelled against him by Chamikara were baseless and false.

He said that his lawyers would send a letter of demand to Chamikara and pursue legal action against his allegations, today.

"This is completely false. I am a nature lover and respect the environment. This is why I am a member of the World Green Building Council. Certain groups are now attempting to tarnish the Rajapaksa image once again, resorting to spreading false stories in the media. I respect our forest reserves and have not owned any hotel there. I will pursue legal action as this group is trying to mislead the public," Yoshitha said.

Chamikara, in a media briefing last week said that the army was involved in cutting through the Sinharaja Forest, to connect a hotel which he alleged was owned by Yoshitha to the main road.

After a public outcry, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last week, ordered that the 1.1km road development project which had commenced in August in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve be halted.

Rajapaksa issued directions that no development project that harms the flora and fauna of the area should take place.(JAMILA HUSAIN)

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Comments - 21

Warren Raed Monday, 24 August 2020 10:13 AM

He will deny everything now. But on the opening ceremony day, he will give the welcoming speech as the owner and on that day, all the SRi Lankans will say, "Jayawewaa!" Usual story. We have not forgotten the past.

j Monday, 24 August 2020 10:32 AM

Obviously I dont think they own small hotels like that, but massive hotels in Dubai like the Carlton. Dictatoe power is coming soon.

Hari M Monday, 24 August 2020 10:35 AM

How sad to destroy the last natural resources. Even Corona has not halted the greed of these people.

MirakRajBanda Monday, 24 August 2020 10:42 AM

How's Thajudeen Mr. Rajapakse?

Faisal Mohideen Monday, 24 August 2020 11:57 AM

What has Thajudeen got anything to do with Sinharaja? Are you insane Mirak?

Labby Monday, 24 August 2020 10:44 AM

Strong words from Yoshitha Rajapakse. But; the truth should prevail. Bystanders as we are, we don't know who's right, but the truth should prevail and be known. The Right To Information Act should kick in here.

BigEars Monday, 24 August 2020 11:08 AM

There is no smoke without a fire. We know you, your family and your party. So the new party has stated. The JVP warned and the foolish people did not heed to the warning.

ANTON Monday, 24 August 2020 11:17 AM

YES... THE SALARY HE IS GETTING FROM NAVY IS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO MAINTAIN HIS FAMILY.

alexander Monday, 24 August 2020 11:32 AM

Lets see his legal actions and result of it

FF Monday, 24 August 2020 11:45 AM

DONT EVER TRUST WHAT THE RAJAPKSAS SAY. THEY ARE REAL CHEATS. THE FATHER, BROTHER, UNCLE AND SEVERAL OTHERS WERE MEMBERS OF SLPP, BUT THEY DENIED SAYING THAT THEY HAVE ONLY SUBMITTED THE APPLICATION AND CONTINUED TO ENJOY PARLIAMENT WITHOUT LEAVING. EVEN GOTA'S US CITIZENSHIP WAS CANCELLED ONLY AFTER THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

vibz Monday, 24 August 2020 12:03 PM

I will pursue legal action as this group is trying to mislead the public," Yoshitha said Why spend money on a lawyer, send a white van

Ali Sabri Monday, 24 August 2020 12:06 PM

Wqit and see next the family will have their own apartment inside maligawa.

Dee Monday, 24 August 2020 12:54 PM

Yes. We all know that 'You' don't 'own' it! It would be very unwise of you to do so. But we all hope that the project will go ahead. Having been to some similar places, very nice!

FF Monday, 24 August 2020 12:59 PM

BELIEVE HIM IN THE NAME GOD. THEY NEVER UTTER LIES

Lanka putha Monday, 24 August 2020 01:00 PM

What is the fuss about. His property he is building a road. Don't upset his dad

JJ Jayawardana Monday, 24 August 2020 01:02 PM

Mistake by someone! YR is not a fool to own a hotel under his name. He is only the beneficial owner!!!

Sambo Monday, 24 August 2020 01:58 PM

These people never heard the word "Accept" in their vocabulary and only learnt to deny.

kola kotiya Monday, 24 August 2020 01:59 PM

DAISIY AUNTY GEM BAG

Nomal Tuesday, 25 August 2020 08:22 AM

How about Daisy Aatchi?

MR Tuesday, 01 September 2020 02:54 PM

WHO SAID HE IS A CRIMINAL ? ONLY ARRESTED 3 TIMES

munas Tuesday, 01 September 2020 05:34 PM

only 3 times arrested

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Yoshitha denies owning hotel inside Sinharaja

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