Will withdraw from politics if vehicle allegations are proven: Rohitha Abeygunawardena

Colombo, October 21 (Daily Mirror) - Former parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardena said today that if the allegations regarding the vehicles seized by the Kandy Division Criminal Investigation Bureau are proven, he will withdraw from politics and resign from his candidacy at the upcoming general elections.

Former parliamentarian Rohitha Abeygunawardena said today that he had no involvements with the vehicles seized by the Kandy Division Criminal Investigation Bureau yesterday.

Speaking to the media today, he declared that he would withdraw from politics if it is proven that the seized vehicles belonged to him. 

"I take responsibility for not possessing those vehicles. I did not engage in politics to cheat or steal. Therefore, it is better to discuss these matters after finding out the truth," he said.

Yesterday, the Kandy Division Criminal Investigation Bureau confiscated a BMW and a Pajero jeep, valued at approximately Rs. 60 million, from the residence of Abeygunawardena’s son-in-law in Aniwatta, Kandy.

"If those vehicles belong to my son-in-law, take action against him. Why target me? I’m not responsible for someone else’s crimes or frauds," he added.

"If the allegations against me are proven, I will withdraw from politics and also resign from my candidacy at the upcoming general elections," the former Minister said.

He said that it must be proven whether he has any involvement in the incident. He believes this presents a significant opportunity for social media campaigns targeting the general elections and is part of a mudslinging campaign against their party.