Drug addict MPs : Kiriella's committee records a statement from Ranjan Ramanayake

Colombo (News 1st): On February 11th, State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake noted that there is a group of MPs who use narcotic substances. Following several discussions, the UNP decided on February 20th to appoint a committee headed by Minister Lakshman Kiriella to inquire into these allegations. The committee had its first session today at the Parliamentary complex. State Minister Ranjan Ramanayaka was summoned to record a statement. This committee includes State Minister Eran Wickramaratne, Nissanka Nanayakkara and Prof. Ashu Marasinghe. Exiting the committee meeting, Minister Kiriella noted that a report, based on Ramanayake’s statement, would be handed over to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. While stating that this was a UNP internal inquiry, the minister refused to discuss whether Ramanayake had revealed any names to the committee. State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake noted that Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who also holds a double doctorate, had stated to the newspapers that his (Ranjan) cannot be accepted as he is an actor and performer by profession. He went onto note that the country's parliament consists of MPs and Ministers who consume narcotic substances and among the MPs who have been accused of using cocaine, a majority represent the flower bud party. Ramanayake pointed out that meanwhile, the UNP has a few MPs. He noted that he is not aware and does not have sufficient information regarding MPs from the TNA, JVP or Pivithuru Hela Urumaya. Ranjan Ramanayake said there are over 10 MPs in the SLFP, 2 in Wimal Weerawansa’s party (NFF) and 3 or 4 in the UNP who consume narcotics. When journalists questioned him of what he expects from the government in the event these facts are proved, he noted that the speaker cannot act in this regard, as he is not a doctor or officer from the CID. He noted that he has explained his story to the committee and it cannot take a decision regarding this matter. Ranjan Ramanayake noted that either a doctor, the CID or an investigation officer must check the facts. He said assault, harassment, loss of political seats, ministerial portfolios, and state ministerial positions must be expected. He noted that he does not agree with the change of political representation however, he might act independently. Subsequently, state minister Ranjan Ramanayake visited a private hospital this evening to obtain a blood test. Speaking regarding this act he pointed out that it is good if all politicians take a blood test on a voluntary basis, so they can then identify those who confirm such accusations.

Political Reactions

UPFA MP Ranjith De Zoysa noted that state Minister Ranjan Ramanayake has said that out of the MP's who were identified as cocaine users only 6 of them are from the government. He noted that there is no one from the JVP, no one from the TNA and all of them are from the Pohottuwa and the UPFA. He questioned the speaker; "If a person who has never witnessed such things in a lifetime is portrayed as a drug addict where is the honour in that?" MP Shehan Semasinghe noted that the reports forwarded by the committees appointed by the UNP have never been proved. He added that this is because the Prime Minister appointed a similar committee for the bond scam incident and even when the country faced economic collapse and fraud took place at the Central Bank the committee appointed by Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that such a bond scam never took place.