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Minister evades media attempt to extract apology
Colombo, May 27 (Daily Mirror) - During the media briefing to announce Cabinet decisions, Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayastissa evaded answering a question whether he still regrets his criticism of the release of Rs. 5.5 million from the President’s Fund to late cinema icon Malani Fonseka, who once served as a parliamentarian.
He said it was not appropriate for him to make any comments in this regard at this hour.
“I do not intend to talk about it here,” he said.
Prodded by the media whether he is unable to make up his mind to regret the remarks, he said, “I only revealed the list of parliamentarians who received benefits from the Fund. I mentioned about the release of over Rs. 1 billion. In the list, I mentioned the names of Keheliya Rambukwella, Rajitha Senaratne, D.M. Jayaratne and others who benefitted,” he said.
Asked why he is not willing to apologise over his remarks despite even Ms. Fonseka remaining concerned during her days of hospitalisation, he said, “I only presented a report. My remarks were distorted and reported largely during the last few days. I submitted the list of recipients of benefits. Even artistes have received benefits. I did not disclose them,” the Minister said.
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