Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne yesterday assured the nation that he would accept that there had been a shortcoming on his part if it is proven that his secretary had really issued a letter to the customs to release the consignment of heroin which was discovered recently.

Mr. Jayaratne said this in response to a statement made by UNP MP Sujeewa Senasinghe in the House who wanted to know whether the Prime Minister was aware that such a letter had been sent by his secretary.

The Prime Minister said that he had request a time slot from the Speaker to allow him to make a statement in the House with regards to the matter but had decided against it following the advice of MPs from both sides. “I decided against making a statement as both government and opposition MPs advised me not to do so as no one would accept what I have to say,” he said.

Mr. Jayaratne added that the other reason for him not to make a statement was that it would affect the investigations that were being carried out into the matter. At the same time he said that he was not aware of any developments regarding this incident as it was only a report which was highlighted in the media. (YP)