Tissa Kutti's INTEL comments sparks political controversy

COLOMBO (News 1st); SLPP MP Tissa Kutti Arachchi's comments on Former State Minister Susil Premajayantha's removal from office have sparked a political controversy.

SLPP MP Tissa Kutti Arachchi on Wednesday (5) said that Former State Minister Susil Premajayantha was sacked from office after analyzing state intelligence reports.

"We have the State Intelligence Service. The intel can relate to the government, national security, alternative governments, and even the political atmosphere," he told a press conference in Colombo adding that Susil Premajayantha was sacked as a result of such intelligence efforts.

"It wasn't just the statement he made at Delkanda pola. He was removed after analyzing the state intelligence reports," the SLPP MP said.

On Thursday (6), Sri Lanka's Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said intelligence gathered by the state can relate to anyone and it does not matter if one is Susil Premajayantha or Maithripala Sirisena.

"One can speak within the government, however, speaking of such matter on the outside can be seen as unethical," said the Minister.

He said that if persons like Maithripala Sirisena or Susil Premajayantha wish to stay, they must stay or leave.

Dr. Susil Premajayantha raised a red flag noting that it is a serious issue if Intel from the State Intelligence Services is leaked to MPs like Tissa Kutti Arachchi.

"I call on the state officials to conduct an immediate inquiry into the leak of intelligence to an MP," said the Former State Minister, who went on to note that he is not a person that State Intelligence must have surveillance on.

He said the State Intelligence Service must deploy its resources to report to the government on the issues in the country, especially on the people's issues.