Sujeewa denies PTL Group cash was for his personal benefit

Saturday, 9 June 2018 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

International Trade State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe yesterday said upon request of the Chief Prelate or Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, he was ready to donate Rs. 3 million received by his political campaign team from controversial Perpetual Treasuries affiliate W.M. Mendis Company.

Addressing media at his residence in Colombo 3, Senasinghe said that he will resign if anyone proves that he personally obtained funds from the company.

Noting that what happened cannot be undone, he would take all steps to ethically correct the fault.

Describing the incident as a ‘small tsunami’ which struck him in his political career, Senasinghe said he was not used to such allegations and added that it made him feel like he was finally entering into actual politics.

“When I first heard of these cheques, I was shocked for several minutes. It was like having a heart attack. But then, I realised that I had to face it. I did politics with principles and I know that I have not conducted anything illegal. I will do politics until people support me and will leave when they stop,” he stressed.

The State Minister said at the time the cheques were given, neither Mendis & Co. nor Perpetual Treasuries were accused of involvement in any illegally activity. He added that his election campaign was conducted by a couple of friends on a voluntary basis and they received the funds.

“Not even my friends knew about the connection, and it was a legal company back then. If had known this, I would never let my campaign team receive their money as I’m not ready to put mud on myself or my team by receiving Rs. 3 million for a campaign that actually cost Rs. 30 to Rs. 35 million,” he explained.

Senasinghe claimed that he was labelled as part of the “Footnote Gang” for revealing the Bond Scam damage, while noting that MP Ajith Perera and himself were the only MPs to raise their voice in Parliament to take legal action against PTL when all other Parliamentarians were just shouting and holding the then Central Bank Governor responsible.

He said that he maintains a fund of Rs. 10.1 million for women at present as social work and therefore has no need for money from any controversial company.

The State Minister justified that according to the dates of the cheques issued, it was clear that the money was supposed to have been received for the 2015 General Election.