Colombo (News 1st): State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake made a revelation during a media briefing earlier today (September 11). He noted that some of his friends who live in America have sent him details regarding the malpractices Presidential candidates have engaged in and details regarding their assets.

The State Minister noted that there are rumours that a Presidential hopeful has bought a newly built house in America and the value of this house is US$1 million, which is roughly around Rs. 180 million. Ramanayake requested the journalists to probe this matter.

He added that they received information in 2015, following the Presidential Election there was a substantial amount of money which was deposited at banks in Dubai by former Presidents and former Ministers. However, he noted that money went missing all of a sudden and when Udayanga Weeratunga attempted to smuggle that money and travelled to Los Angeles several times. State Minister Ramanayake pointed out that he was later arrested.

State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake noted that they have a suspicion that this money was laundered and have been utilised to purchase various assets. He said they have to investigate these because once they are in power, it will be untraceable once again.

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