Rishad Takes Ven. Ananda Thera to Courts

In a press conference called at the Department of Information  yesterday (24) to clarify the background of  cocaine detection at Sathosa ware house recently, Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen explained,  that a mudslinging campaign  was carried out by the Secretary of the SLFP Monks Front, Ven.Ananda Sahara Thera , who has stated to the press that the container with  cocaine packages was brought  to the Sathosa ware house from Wilpattu.  This is an absolute lie . This  particular container was checked by the Custom Officers at the Colombo Fort and sealed after their inspection. It was brought to the Sathosa ware house in that form.  But Ven. Ananda Sahara Thera  spreads lies and proved that he is a liar.  There is no connection between the Sathosa  and the cocaine affair.  Sathosa had never imported this sugar consignment. Sathosa call tenders weekly  and purchased sugar from successful renderer . When the successful renderer brought the sugar container to the Sathosa ware house, it was Sathosa employees, who noticed suspicious packages  among sugar bags and informed the Chairman.  As per guidance and advice given by the Chairman, this matter was brought to the notice of the police.  This is the real fact.

By making use of this incident  destructive forces, bankrupt political forces,  communal medias and some social networks published and released news dragging me and the Sathosa with this cocaine detection.

It is the Sathosa , which rose to the occasion and safeguarded the country from destruction.  Is this the prize paid for it?

In the past, they raised the issue of plastic rice and blamed the Sathosa.  Likewise  now they raised the cocaine issue with the Sathosa . Those who cannot digest the progress made by the Sathosa  are involved in this propaganda.

Hence, Minister Rishad has told the press categorically, that he has decided to file  action in the Courts against Ven.Ananda Sahara Thera for  spreading fabricated lies.

Secretary  to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce,  Chinthika  Lokuhettige, Sathosa Chairman, D.M.K. P. Tennakone, Vice President of Sugar Importers and it’s  Media Secretary also participated in this press conference.