In the wake of political allegations against him in the aftermath of April 21 bombings, Leader of ACMC,ย Sri Lankan Minister Rishad Bathiudeen has called for a Parliamentary Select Committee to clear his name. โThe people who make allegations against me knowingly or unknowingly safeguard the real terroristsโ said Minister of Industry and Commerce Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons, Cooperative Development, Skills Development & Vocational Training Rishad Bathiudeen addressing the Parliament on the evening of 10 May.
โVarious 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. With some other Ministers in Oman, we discussed about multi-billion rupee project for Sri Lanka with Omani government officials. After I returned from Oman, they have stopped the allegations. They also aimed other allegation against me and these allegation were so dangerous and insulting I had question back from certain media institutions as to why they are identifying myself with terroristsโ said Minister Bathiudeen and added: โThese allegations too were similar to the allegation that I 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 condolenes 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.โ
Leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress