Who gave those bananas? Cabinet directs probe by CID

Lands Minister Gayantha Karunatilleke complained at last Wednesday’s weekly Cabinet meeting that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had declined to investigate a complaint of attempts to slander him.

It was reportedly on the grounds that the CID did not have adequate resources and was already burdened with a number of investigations.

The complaint itself referred to alleged attempts by opposition supporters who had carried out a campaign over his distributing bananas to flood victims. To create mischief, he said, bananas were packed in polythene packs bearing his name.

Minister Karunatilleke had the backing of his colleagues that the matter should be investigated. So much so, President Maithripala Sirisena directed Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake, who was present at the meeting, to ensure the CID conducted an investigation into the matter. One of three official spokespersons now, Minister Karunatilleke could not help but speak about his issue at the news briefing on Wednesday. He told the media briefing, which follows weekly ministerial meetings, that he was aware of the culprit behind the campaign against him.