PM boycotts Presidential Commission hearing

Colombo (News 1st): Minister Daya Gamage appeared before the commission to investigate fraud and corruption of the current government. The Minister was summoned to provide evidence on the damages caused to the equipment of the Mattala International Airport when it was converted to a paddy storage facility. Providing evidence before the commission the Minister said that he was a part of the committee in charge of selecting a suitable location to store paddy at and that the decision was taken accordingly. The Minister pointed out that although the approval was granted to store the paddy at the airport it is the duty of the officer in charge of the storage facility to ensure that none of the equipment at the airport is damaged. Daya Gamage also pointed out that it is also the duty of the officer in charge of the storage facility to inform his superiors if this cannot be done. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was also due to appear before the commission to provide evidence on the same issue. However, the secretary to the prime minister had informed the commission that the Prime Minister is not able to attend the hearing today (October 18). Thereby the Prime Minister was informed to appear before the commission on the 23rd of this month. Meanwhile, Former Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Hemasiri Fernando who is currently in remand custody over the Easter Sunda Attacks was also summoned before the commission. He was summoned to provide evidence on irregularities in digitalizing the People's Bank during his tenure as chairman of the bank. The Prison's Department had informed the presidential commission that Hemasiri Fernando was not able to attend today's hearing due to health issues. Hemasiri Fernando has been informed to appear before the commission on the 21st of this month.