Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, thank you for allowing this under Standing Order 27(8). I will be brief.

¶ 02 From the beginning to the end of sittings I usually remain in the Chamber. Yesterday, when I was not present, a statement by Hon. Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra was cited on a private TV news bulletin, displaying my name and photographs as a “politician who obtained a fuel filling station through political connections.” Today’s Dinamina headline says, “List of politicians who got sheds dragged into Parliament.” I do not blame the media; their report followed from what was said about “political connections.”

¶ 03 I categorically state: we do not possess any filling station obtained through political connections. This concerns a station belonging to my family. Even before I was born in 1955 — before most here were born — 70 years ago my father started that station. For 70 years our family has lawfully operated it. I do not know why my name was dragged into this. After the news, many from my electorate — who voted for me — asked me to clarify this in Parliament.

¶ 04 I have represented Galle District for 25 years; elected seven times, leading the list four times. Even when others were defeated, I was elected first. For 48 years, since 1977, our home has had an MP. Yet we have never taken such benefits via political influence. I request the Government Chief Whip and the Leader of the House to verify whether including my name on a list of politically obtained stations, for a station acquired 70 years ago, is fair. We have administered it cleanly; no accusation has stood against me. I do not sling mud and will not do so. Please clear my name. The station has long existed, managed by my brother. If possible, correct the record. Many in my province know this; even the Hon. Prime Minister, if present, would confirm, as her father and family know this history well.

¶ 05 Please remove my name from that list. Thank you.