If port developers funded MR campaign, it is a bribe - Min. Duminda Dissanayake

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - Minister Duminda Dissanayake commented on the New York Times Expose and the Governments inability on certain matters. He stated that most of the matters mentioned in New York Times article on the Hambantota Port are true and if a large sum of money was given by the same institution that was constructing the port, aimed at the election, that can be viewed as a bribe. He added that the government authorities have a responsibility of inquiring into these matters. Responding to a question raised by a journalist on the Government not being able to punish criminals and hold elections on time, Minister Dissanayake noted that the question is justified but was not the result of the Government's inability. The Minister added that strong decisions need to be taken very soon. He noted that the people of this country did not give power to President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to form a national government, inorder to remain idle. Minister Duminda Dissanayake said the people were hoping for reforms and they hope it would be done before the elections.