No politics involved in ex-Minister’s arrest: Bandula

20 December 2019 04:30 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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There is no politics involved in the arrest and detention of former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and legal action against him is based purely on hard evidence available to the law enforcement authorities, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardana said yesterday.

Responding to the Daily Mirror at yesterday’s weekly Cabinet news briefing, Minister Gunawardana said the previous Yahapalana government harassed politicians of almost all parties, monks, professionals and many others in an act of political vengeance. But the Rajapaksa government would never resort to that kind of tactics and the arrest and detention of former Minister Ranawaka was entirely a legal process.

“A youth in my electorate has been severely injured from a road accident in 2016 involving Minister Ranawaka. Though justice was not meted out to the victim then, the law enforcement officers are attempting to rectify it now. The victim's family had been frightened after the accident so much so that the family requested me not to even visit them,” Minister Gunawardana said.

When the police on the direction of Attorney General visited Mr. Ranawaka’s residence to arrest him on Wednesday afternoon, he had asked whether Speaker Karu Jayasuriya was aware of the arrest.

“Speaker Jayasuriya was away overseas when the police spoke to him. However, Mr. Jayasuriya was informed by the police before the MP's arrest,” he added.

In response to a journalist, Minister Gunawardana said all court cases against members of the previous government that had been suppressed would be reopened.

"I lodged a complaint to the police the other day on misappropriation of Mahapola funds to the tune of Rs. two billion," he said.

Minister Gunawardana said there were eyewitnesses to the accident but later revealed that evidence had been manipulated and the CCTV footage on the accident had been deleted and added the arrest and detention had been done fully adhering to the law. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

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Comments - 12

ranjith chandrasekera Friday, 20 December 2019 05:12 AM

If he has done something not right there is no question about taking legal action against him. However, there are many other politicians responsible for worst criminal activities. A prominent politician from the previous government is alleged to have destroyed part of natural forest land causing unrecoverable damage to the environment and wildlife. This has a long term effect to climate and debilitating wild life damaging the reputation Sri Lanka as a eco friendly nation.

Banda Friday, 20 December 2019 05:54 AM

Hey Bandula you call this no political involvement? Why don't you arrest bank robbery culprits, thajudeen murderous?

nihal Friday, 20 December 2019 05:58 AM

True, True

Borat Friday, 20 December 2019 06:00 AM

What about thajudeen murder or let’s say accident. Will law apply after all these years. Karma is a thing none of you can run away from

DJ Friday, 20 December 2019 06:02 AM

Shameless minister you are and twist a lie to become a truth and a truth to become a lie.

Ralahamy Friday, 20 December 2019 06:04 AM

Here is an angel of virtue, speaking noting but the truth. Amen.

Samantha Friday, 20 December 2019 06:17 AM

Wait and see the results soon. Thank you for the help. UNF has already plan out and executed their programs.You can see the results.

MM Friday, 20 December 2019 06:42 AM

Hello RS 2500/- what about Cricketer, MS son, KEHALIYA’s son and many more why not arrested??

Wasp Friday, 20 December 2019 06:45 AM

Whom is this nut trying to fool???

anura nanayakkara Friday, 20 December 2019 07:38 AM

Good explanation by minister Bandula Gunawardena . No one is above the law !! If they have bent the rules earlier , the cases should be revisited and investigated properly. THAT IS NOT POLITICAL REVENGE !!!

Slay Rabahaana Friday, 20 December 2019 07:57 AM

So it means that you instigated the witch-hunt.

Roshan rodney Friday, 20 December 2019 08:38 AM

We know this 2500 Thailand pundit ...we also know about your pedigree..president Gotabaya knows your pedigree and achievements and he was wide on not offering you finance minister post.

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No politics involved in ex-Minister’s arrest: Bandula

Comments - 12

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