Sri Lankan Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen has called for a Parliamentary Select Committee to clear his name of the allegations made against him in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday suicide bombings on April 21 by the Muslim extremist group National Thowheed Jamath.
“The people who make allegations against me knowingly or unknowingly safeguard the real terrorists,” Minister Bathiudeen said addressing the Parliament on Friday.
“Various people made allegations against me saying I ran away from Sri Lanka when I was recently for official work. Some people and media made these allegations. They made the allegations without checking the facts about this tour,” the Minister said regarding his recent visit to Oman for discussions on the proposed Hambanthota oil refinery.
“With some other Ministers in Oman, we discussed about multi-billion rupee project for Sri Lanka with Omani government officials,” he explained.
The Minister said after he returned from Oman, the allegations stopped. He added that however they also aimed other allegations against him.
“These allegation were so dangerous and insulting I had question back from certain media institutions as to why they are identifying myself with terrorists” said Minister Bathiudeen, and added that the allegations were similar to the allegation that he ran away from Sri Lanka. “These allegations had no basis, nor were supported by facts.”
“SB Dissanayake holding press conferences lies in this regard. I have taken legal action against him. Since I did not accept his invitations during the 52 day coup, taking revenge from me in this way is playing cheap politics. However I want to stress that I have given my assets and liabilities statements since the day I entered politics. Anyone can inspect these statements. I am also ready face any investigation. Today I call Hon Speaker to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to probe on allegations made against me. Then we can find out who is lying and who is not. Therefore I call speaker to immediately appoint a PSC to investigate this.”
“The people who make allegations against me knowingly or unknowingly safeguard the real terrorists and fundamentalists. Their actions results in myself highlighted while the attention on the real terrorists shifts. We are strong believers of Islam. Allah does not approve terrorism nor fundamentalism. I am profoundly shocked of the loss of lives due to this terrorism and fundamentalism. I express my condolences to the dead. I wish speedy recovery for the injured. I bow my head with gratitude to all who committed for peace and reconciliation at this difficult moment.”
Courtesy: Colombo Page
