Avant Garde Agreements cancelled on President's orders

Avant Garde Agreements cancelled on President's orders

Navy takes over all activities

According to instructions of President Maithripala Sirisena all business activities of Avant Garde

Maritime Company have been suspended and the government has decided to hand over the Company to the Navy in this connection.

After the sensational debates held in parliament and the Cabinet, this decision has been arrived at at the discussion held under directions of the President Maithripala Sirisena this evening at 4 o'clock regarding this topic. It is reported that Ministers Rajitha Senaratna, Patali Champika Ranawaka and Arjuna Ranatunga had participated at this discussion. It is also understood that apart from them, the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, the Navy Commander, representatives of the Police, the Chairman of the committee who had been appointed by the Ministry of Defense to investigate the Avant Garde matter, representatives of the Attorney General's Department and Rakna Lanka Company have been present on this occasion. Minister Rajitha Senaratna announced that all Agreements between Avant Garde Maritime Company and the government have been invalidated and that the government has decided to hand over all operations to come under the authority of the Naval Forces.

Mr. Senaratna also added that information regarding underhand dealings have been detected and that investigations would be carried out regarding same and immediate action would be taken and that the President has informed the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General about it.