“Government brought Underworld men” – MR

 

Ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that many leading underworld figures, who fled the country during the time of his rule, had returned to the country at the behest of politicians.

“About 10 or 12 of those, who had fled the country during our time, have been brought back by UNP politicians and they are actively participating in election work,” the former President said during an interview held at his residence in Mirihana.

“None of these people dared coming into the country during our time and we completely put a halt to the activities of the underworld. Those who were in custody and were granted bail even didn’t leave the prisons during our time, but now they are all freely campaigning with the UNP politicians,” he said.

He said that the Bloemendal shooting was an example of the actions of the underworld, which had returned. When questioned by journalists as to the allegation made by Minister Ravi Karunanayake that the shooting was the actions of the former President’s henchmen, he replied in the negative.

“What nonsense is that? That’s how these people like to turn things like every other allegation of theirs. Look at what Sujeewa has said. Even he admits that the underworld has got close to their politicians.

“If by any chance this happened during my time or had I even just visited a procession in which such a thing happened, everyone would have slandered me and blamed me. That’s how you’ll work during my time,” he said. (DM)