Bribery allegation: Prez asks Nimal to step down pending probe

SJB seeks explanation as regards Prasanna found guilty by HC

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has asked Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva to step down, temporarily, pending an investigation into bribery allegations against him.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) yesterday (06) said that President Rajapaksa had ordered an investigation into the allegations levelled by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, in Parliament, on Tuesday (05), regarding a transaction between the Ministry of Aviation and a private company.

The PMD said that Minister de Silva would step down, temporarily, from the position of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Services, on the instructions of the President.

The SLFP heavyweight recently switched his allegiance to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in spite of the decision taken by the party not to accept Cabinet portfolios.

SJB Spokesperson Mujibur Rahuman, while appreciating the investigation initiated by the President, pointed out that Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, who had been found guilty by Colombo High Court and sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment, suspended for five years, continued to hold ministerial portfolio.

Ranatunga was found guilty of one of the charges in a case filed for threatening a businessman. The Court also imposed a fine of Rs. 25 million on the Minister and ordered him to pay Rs. 1 million as compensation. If the Minister fails

to pay the Rs. 25 million fine, nine more months will be added to the sentence.

If the Minister fails to pay the Rs. 1 million compensation, three more months will be added to the sentence.

The SJB official said that the President owed an explanation as regards the basis for different standards in dealing with errant members.

Minister Ranatunga has since appealed against his conviction. (SF)