I did not praise Rishad Bathiudeen: Defence Secretary

Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said yesterday that parties with vested interests had edited and distorted a speech he had made during a ceremony at the Vavuniya Kachcheri Auditorium. The Defence Secretary said that he would take legal action if necessary.

He said that social media posts had been published claiming that he had praised former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen during this event. “Some parties with vested interests had edited and distorted my speech delivered during the session as the State Ministry’s Secretary, and it has been disseminated across social media signifying that, I have commended Parliamentarian Rishard Bathiudeen, who was also present at the event”, he said.

“It was a state function organized in Vavunia, which the State Minister of Internal Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management Chamal Rajapaksa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest,” the defence secretary said.

He further said “I was there as the State Ministry’s Secretary and since it was a state function many regional politicians were also present at the occasion. Accordingly, Parliamentarian Rishard Bathiudeen was present as an attendee. In my speech I merely stated his name but I have no acquaintance with him as misleadingly propagated.”

“My concern is about misleadingly telecasting an edited video devoid of the whole story’s essence. Therefore, I wish to refer this subject for legal advice, if necessary.”

“I performed honestly and dutifully for this nation as a devoted military officer and even today I work in the same vein, because I have been entrusted a great responsibility by His Excellency the President and the Hon. Prime Minister. I am looking forward for envisioned tasks wholeheartedly and my perpetual service to the country and its’ people will remain the same; continuous and uninterrupted,” he said.