By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Minister Namal Rajapaksa yesterday said there was no truth in him having to attend an event in Bandarawela due to which a group of people had to be shifted from queues at a fuel station in the area.  

Namal told Daily Mirror that he had no event in Welimada and this was a false rumor spread to create unwanted panic.  

“Even if I am to attend any event, I will ensure that no one’s lives are disrupted. The queues right now are unfortunate but moving them to another area, is something I will never consent to. I have never done that. This is all a false rumor and a clear miscommunication,” Namal said.  

Videos yesterday emerged of school van drivers lining up at one particular petrol filling station in Bandarawela, who had been granted special permission by the Divisional Secretariat for getting their fuel quota from that particular filling station.  

Some of the drivers however claimed that they were moved to another station on Welimada Road after being told by certain individuals that the area had to be cleared due to Minister Namal Rajapaksa’s arrival in the area.    

• No event in Welimada and this was a false rumor spread to create unwanted panic
• Some of the drivers claimed that they were moved to another station on Welimada Road after being told that the area had to be cleared due to Minister Namal Rajapaksa’s arrival