CID to probe Naveen’s bribe allegation

4 December 2014 06:37 pm

Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday that the Criminal Investigation Department had launched an investigation into the alleged statement by former minister Naveen Dissanayaka that he was offered some Rs. 100 million to stay in the government.


“The statement made by Naveen Dissanayake was damaging to the government, so the government has lodged a complaint with the CID asking it to launch an investigation into the claim,” he said.

 

The following is a transcript of the issue during the media briefing:


Journalist: So are you saying that Mr. Naveen Dissanayake was not offered such amount of money?
Min. Keheliya: I am not sure about it. That is why we have asked for an investigation into the claims. Everything will be come out after that.


Journalist: So whoever the person, who tried to bribe Mr. Dissanayake, had not done any offence?
Min. Keheliya: Both accepting and giving a bribe is an offence


Journalist: Minister Wimal Weerawansa also claimed that the opposition tried to bribe him as well. So is there any inquiry into the claims?
Min. Keheliya: Allegation is against the opposition, so the compliant should be lodged by the opposition itself. But I think, Minister Weerawansa was not the person who made such a statement, but someone else from his party. However, I think it was not clear claims, but Mr. Naveen Dissanayake had clearly said about the offer.