Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M.Marikkar has responded to a viral video on social media of a conversation with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the issuance of vehicle permits for Parliamentarians.
Responding to queries on the video, MP Marikkar told the media that the conversation had taken place during a funeral and in the presence of the public, but had been recorded by the President.
“A few months ago, I met the President at a funeral in Piliyandala. The President himself invited me for a chat. At the time, the President inquired about my opinion on giving vehicle permits to Parliamentarians. I said as the Finance Minister, he has the power to sign the proposal and to go ahead and do what he wants,” he said, divulging details of the conversation.
MP Marikkar further said that the President had released the audio of the conversation a few days ago, which is several months after the incident.
Stating that at the time, the President had informed him that the conversation was recorded, MP Marikkar said he had no worries as the conversation had taken place openly in public.
MP Marrikkar pointed out that he had previously refused the President’s offer for a ministerial portfolio under the government formed with the support of the Rajapaksas, and that he has no intention of joining that group. (Newswire)