Minister Bimal Ratnayake denies involvement in the release of controversial containers, challenges the opposition to file a police complaint and vows to face jail if proven guilty. He says he has no authority over container clearance.
Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, Bimal Ratnayake, issued a fiery denial in Parliament today (July 11) over allegations of unauthorized container releases, stating that he had no role or authority in such decisions.
The Minister directly addressed the opposition’s claims during the parliamentary session, stating:
“If I released the containers, jail me! File a complaint with the police and give them all the information you have.”
Ratnayake emphasized that he has no legal power to release containers and reiterated that he had not authorized the release of a single one. The controversy stems from a developing political narrative linking the Western Province Governor to the release of several high-profile containers. Once that theory was publicly debunked, fingers reportedly turned toward Ratnayake.
Responding to these accusations, the Minister clarified:
“After it was proven that the Western Province Governor was not responsible, they tried to pin it on me. But I have no such authority. I categorically deny any involvement.”
He challenged the opposition to take legal action if they possess credible evidence.
“If the opposition has information, let them go to the police, make a statement, and name me. If I’ve done anything wrong, I am ready to go to jail.”
The minister’s sharp rebuttal underscores the growing tension in Parliament over accusations of corruption and administrative malpractice, particularly involving customs procedures and port operations.
While the opposition continues to pressure government figures over the container issue, Ratnayake’s remarks have added fuel to an already heated debate—and a bold declaration that may now put the focus squarely on proving or disproving the allegations through legal means.
