Basil's exact relationship is not with us now - Namal Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organizer, Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa stated that it is more appropriate to inquire about former Minister Basil Rajapaksa from parties of the current government rather than from him. Making a special statement to the media in Colombo, the MP pointed out that even though Basil Rajapaksa is his uncle, the people in the current government are his closest friends who work more closely with him.

The MP states that since the leaders in this government have associated with Basil Rajapaksa much more closely than he has since 2005, it is more appropriate to ask them when he will return to the country, rather than asking him.

Recalling the long-standing political ties between high-ranking individuals of the current government and Basil Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa stated that people in the government call him every evening to inquire about the situation in the country. Therefore, the MP says that they can ask him when he will return to Sri Lanka during one of those frequent phone calls. Meanwhile, responding to questions raised by journalists regarding Basil Rajapaksa's non-appearance in court, the MP stated that he does not believe that he or any other person is evading the law. He also pointed out that even though Basil Rajapaksa is currently abroad, the necessary legal representation is being provided through his lawyers, properly presenting facts before the court.

The MP stated that high-ranking individuals of the current government know Basil Rajapaksa better than he does, and he is not certain whether Basil Rajapaksa is not returning to the country sometimes on their advice. Although that matter should be inquired from the government parties and Basil Rajapaksa himself, he emphasized that his representation in the judicial process is taking place properly. He also said that it appears the current rulers have a special problem with the Rajapaksas, including Mahinda Rajapaksa, and especially as May approaches, the police are working to summon Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, or any other Rajapaksa to court. Namal Rajapaksa also accused the government of acting in this manner to fulfill the wishes of the diaspora on one hand.

The Member of Parliament further stated that even though the government acts based on political needs, the current society is well aware of the nature of their law enforcement and the evasion of law. He pointed out that recent incidents such as the import of substandard coal, the clandestine export of 323 containers, the import of two containers containing drugs, and incidents related to the Nuwara Eliya ice factory are prime examples of this. Namal Rajapaksa further emphasized that organized criminals, who are friendly to the government and nurtured by it, are currently moving freely in society without any hindrance, and while the government protects criminals loyal to it, it attempts to suppress parties that are against it and independent, using the law only for that purpose.