(UTV|COLOMBO) – In response to a statement made by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake on a telephone conversation with him, Minister Rishad Bathiudeen categorically denied the claims alleging that he influenced Army Commander to release a suspect arrested over the Easter Sunday attacks.
Minister Bathiudeen denied that there is any truth in the allegation and reiterated that he only contacted Commander Senanayake to query the security situation in Negombo and merely inquire about a person arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons, Cooperative Development, Skills Development and Vocational Training emphasised that he even willing to provide the records of the telephone conversation with the Army Commander to prove his point.
Meanwhile, Commander Senanayake further reaffirmed that a political influence was never exercised as some media outlets interpreted whereas Minister Bathiudeen only inquired about a person in custody.
The Army Commander added that it is common for a Politician to inquire about the operation.
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