COLOMBO (News 1st): Minister Rishad Bathiudeen was called before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division this morning (May 25) to record a statement over a financial misappropriation in importing 257,000 metric tonnes of rice for Sathosa during 2014/15.

The Minister left the premises at around 4.30 pm this evening (May 25) after recording a statement for over six hours.

Minister Baithudeen speaking to the media responded to a question posed by a journalist on a statement he made in response to a request for him to resign by the President and the Prime Minister. He said that he is ready to provide any answer to the select committee appointed for the matter but questioned his need to resign when he has done nothing wrong. The minister added that it is the drug and media mafia that has convicted him.

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