26 November 2023 08:08 pm Views - 3131
Following is his response :
I am writing to address a matter of utmost importance concerning a news article published in the Daily Mirror on November 25, 2023, with the headline "Alleged Smuggled Land Cruiser Seized from Minister's Vehicle Yard." As the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, I feel compelled to bring to your attention to the falsified news item.
The article falsely alleges a connection between myself and an incident involving the seizure of a Land Cruiser from a minister's vehicle yard. I wish to categorically state that I have no association with the mentioned incident, and the vehicle in question has no connection to me or any business entity under my purview.
It is crucial to highlight that I have been actively involved in the auto vehicle-related business for the past 30 years, both locally and internationally, with operations in Sri Lanka, Japan, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. Throughout my career, I have conducted myself and my businesses with the utmost dignity and integrity, and there has never been a single accusation or implication of any wrongdoing of this nature. Further, I wish to state that I have been a parliamentarian for the last 13 years, have transparently conducted my duties, and honoured the people's wishes in return, for which they have held me high.
I believe it is imperative to inform you that this news appears to be a targeted incident to tarnish my reputation. It is particularly concerning as I am currently engaged in a crusade against corruption and an international syndicate involved in match-fixing and sports gambling organisations. Such false accusations damage my personal and professional reputation and undermine the broader efforts to eradicate corruption from our society.