Hirunika to demand explanation from FCID on alleged fraud

MP Hirunika Premachandra yesterday said that she would demand anexplanationfrom the Financial Crimes Division (FCID) via her attorneyin relation to media reports claiming the MP had taken Rs. 20 million from the ‘Maga Neguma’ account.

“I want to find out how these media reports originated. I can only take action once I know the real reason behind all the media reports,”the MP said, addressing a press conference at Sirikotha last morning.

Premachandra asserted that she would take necessary actionagainst media organisations which had reportedthat she had allegedly taken Rs.20 million from ‘Maga Naguma’ account. 

Premachandra told Daily FT she would first seek advice from her Attorney in this regard.

“Theperson mentioned in a newspaper reportashaving made the complaint on this matter contacted me and informed me that he did not make such a complaint. According to what I have heard so far,my name had been on the side of a bill and another name had also been mentioned. The amount of the bill was around Rs. 240,000. I have not signed any such bills,” she added.

Asserting that she could prove her innocence, Premachandra said that she was ready to provide details pertaining to her bank accounts and those of her relatives, adding that with modern technology it was possible for anyone to trace all transactions. 

Asked if she had been involved in any projects conducted under ‘Maga Neguma,’the MP said that she had not even entered politics at the time the fraud had supposedly taken place. “As a young politician I have a long future, therefore I do not want to damage my reputation. That is why I explained the matter in Parliament,” she added. (NS)