"Time and history will solve the position I deserve" -- Ravi makes statement and resigns!

"Time and history will solve the position I deserve" -- Ravi makes statement and resigns!

After making a special speech in parliament today, Minister Ravi Karunanayake has resigned.

His speech is as follows: "I wish to clarify matters about this. Members of our family were on the look out for a house because there is a repair taking place at the Battaramulla house. Later, having come to hear about a house of Nahil Wijesuriya's daughter being available for sale, inquiries were made about it. Since she showed a dislike to give it
directly to a politician, my daughter who was a friend of hers and a school friend of theirs called Arjun

made about it. Since she showed a dislike to give it directly to a politician, my daughter who was a friend of hers and a school friend of theirs called Arjun Aloysius, discussed the matter and bought it on Aloysius' name. Subsequently, having secured a loan from Seylan Bank I bought that house. I forward the relevant data in relation to that loan. I have not earned money from Politics. People who visited my home know about my assets. Before this, there was no environment where matters about politicians were exposed in this country. But our government paved a way of transparency where I could come and speak.

It is evident that the Additional Solicitor General handled matters in this instance in a manner where he anticipated some sort of advantage. The aggressive manner in which he questioned, has created doubt. The Treasury Bond Commission has been appointed to inquire about that fraud. But these allegations are brought forward with the motive of creating a demur over my house. Even before this, allegations were made against me. Though I had political grudges aimed at me, I overcame those law suits. Even skulls of dead people were sent to my mother who was a paralised patient. But I was not scared. I did not change parties. I stood by my party right along. I did not think about my individuality. I thought about the country. I carried out a large amount of work for the change in 2015.

I utilised my ministerial portfolio to serve the public. To serve on behalf of the country. Even my telephone was available 24 hours a day for the sake of the public. This power is temporary. What is permanent is our honesty. Some people think of power and position as permanent and dreams even after gaining power. To acquire power ... even if the country is destroyed ... it does not matter to them.

Accusations targeted at me have no foundation. But some people made all types of allegations against me during the last 10 to 12 days. They hope to crucify me. Even the Buddha and Jesus faced challenges like this. I will not be agitated. But I know that a conspiracy is underway so as to backslide the Yahapalana government by founding it on my allegations. I will not at this time of greediness for power let the UNP be destroyed. I give way for the President's democratic effort. By giving a good example for the entire country I decide to resign from my ministerialship. Time and history will provide me the position I deserve. Kotelawala, J.R. and Lalith Athulathmudali ... all faced these allegations. But history and time gave them the position they deserved.

My objective is to appear on behalf of truth. I take this decision of resigning not with sorrow or shock ... with pride. I take pride because I sacrifice this position on behalf of Sri Lanka's righteous political culture. Some media are trying to assassinate the character of my wife and children. In the midst of all that they were a strength to me. Mela ... Onella ... I always love you. From here onwards I will act as a Member of Parliament in a rear seat".