Former Deputy Speaker denies NPP MP’s allegation over Ditwah compensation

By Ajithlal Shanthaudaya   

Former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse has refuted the allegation by a National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian that he obtained compensation for damage caused to his property during the Ditwah cyclone.   

He told the media on Saturday that District Parliamentarian Shantha Padmakumara who chaired the District Coordinating Committee on January 29 had said that I received a cheque for compensation for a building belonging to me.   

“After my appointment as the SLPP Electoral Organiser of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna ( SLPP) for Kolonne electorate, NPP has been posing serious challenges against me. They have resorted to baseless allegations against me and I have taken legal action against several of them” he said.   

He added that people know Parliamentarian Shantha Pathmakumara’s calibre. He is attempting to gain cheap political mileage and making false allegations.    The former Deputy Speaker stated that Embilipitiya Division was not affected by the Ditwah cyclone and he had not received any information on damage caused to property nor has he suffered any loss to receive compensation. “I never requested or received relief aid or compensation. The parliamentarian has insulted me seriously in front of the Government Agent and several senior officials. I am not a member of the Coordinating Committee and he has made this allegation in my absence. I would take legal action against him” He further said.