Ranjan may contest general elections under SJB: Hirunika

MP Ranjan Ramanayake might get the ticket to contest the general election under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya as he has not done anything wrong other than recording phone conversations unethically, MP Hirunika Premachandra said today.

Parliamentarian Premachandra who was responding to a question raised by the journalists at a press conference said MP Ranjan Ramanayake had not been charged with corruption or any other offence. "In such circumstances, I don't think he would be denied nominations.' she said.

"His gossip talk over the phone does not matter to anyone as all that was part of his personal life" she added.

Asked whether she was happy about court's decision to grant Mr. Ramanayake bail, the MP said "Why should I be happy about Mr. Ramanayake granted bail as it is he who should be happy since he has been able to come out of jail" Ms. Premachandra said.

The MP then called for swift legal action against a man who was seen molesting a child in a recent video clip circulated in social media. Also she said action should be taken against those hiding behind saffron robes and abusing children. "I am not attacking Buddhist clergy, but only talking about those who are hiding behind saffron robes and commit crime" she added.(Yohan Perera)