Disclose name of politician: UNP MPS

The name of the politician who is behind the alleged phone conversation which Solicitor General Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe has had with Avante Garde Chief should be disclosed forthwith, UNP MPS who are backing Minister Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.

Deputy Minister Nalin Bandara Jayamaha told a news conference that a politician had got her to speak to the Avent Garde chief. He said one has to find out as to who had prompted her to speak to the Avant Garde Chief Nisanka Senadipathi.

“It is an offence for her to have a conversation with an accused of a case,” Mr. Bandara said.

At the same time the demand made by Ms. Wickramasinghe to release the full phone conversation is correct so that the public could get to know the truth.

“Those who were accused in the Avant Garde case will jump up as they have been acquitted. However what had happened is that they have been not discharged of charges but only acquitted on the grounds of a technical default in filing the case. The issue was that the Director General Bribery Commission has not got the approval of the other members of the commission to file it. According to the verdict a fresh case can be filed against the accused,” the deputy Minister said.

The issue is how did Ms Wickramasinghe made this mistake. How did these professionals fail to perform their duty in the desired manner,” he added.

He said the government is always blamed for shortcomings while the state officers escape.

Meanwhile MP Mujibur Rahaman who also participated in the press conference said the one should consider the statement made by Joint Opposition MP Keheliya Rambukwella during a talk show aired by a TV channel that the previous regime not only paid a salary to National Thowheed Jamath Chief Zahran but also paid a salary to late LTTE intelligence leader Pottu Aman.