JVP calls on President to punish Opp. MPs involved in frauds

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a media briefing today (Feb 28) questioned as to why Opposition Parliamentarians who have been involved in acts of fraud and corruption cannot be punished.

Mr Dissanayake made these remarks against the backdrop of President Maithripala Sirisena's hard-hitting remarks  yesterday (Feb 27) where he claimed that the perpetrators of the bond scam could not be punished unless the present government was removed from power.

"The Presidential Commission which was appointed to investigate into financial frauds had uncovered the names of several opposition members who had involved in such illegal activities," Mr. Dissanayake told a press conference today.

"The names include Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabhaya, Basil, Wimal and several others. Why can't the President punish these individuals?" the JVP leader questioned adding that the President was making varying statements at different times. 

"The humorous part is that the President's personal secretary is a person who has been accused by the Presidential Commission" he remarked adding that Mr. Sirisena's nominee for the post of Timber Coroporation Chairman was also a person who has been accused by the Commission.

Further, Mr. Dissanayake claimed that the President was acting with the sole motive of becoming the next presidential candidate.