Rajitha denies MR’S visit to Japan is official

Cabinet spokesman, Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne on Wednesday denied claims by the Joint Opposition that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s current tour of Japan was a state visit. But said it was a private one.

In response to a journalist at the weekly cabinet news briefing, Minister Senaratne said the Japanese embassy in Colombo had issued a statement denying that ex-president Rajapaksa had been invited by the Emperor of Japan.

Dr. Senaratne equipped with some photographs of the former President in a jogging track suit said he had not met any influential Japanese politicians but only an MP.

“He has failed to meet any Japanese Ministers as claimed by his media team. He had only met a Japanese Parliament MP.

He has failed to meet any Japanese Ministers as claimed by his media team. He had only met a Japanese Parliament MP. In my numerous visits to Japan, I have met a host of Japanese MPS - Rajitha Senaratne

In my numerous visits to Japan, I have met a host of Japanese MPS,” he added.

Showing a picture of the ex-president sent from Japan, Minister Senaratne said photos had been forwarded using the website of most-wanted individual Udayanga Weeratunga who is on the run.

“We don’t know what his role in the tour party is. But he is a fugitive and wanted by the Sri Lanka Police,” he said. Pix by Ishan Sanjeewa