Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara has denied media reports claiming he was named a suspect in the arson attack on former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence in Colombo.
Speaking to the media, Gunasekara said a report published in a newspaper falsely identified him as a suspect in the July 9, 2022 incident, when Wickremesinghe’s 5th Lane residence was set on fire during nationwide unrest.
“This is a completely false report,” he said. “We have verified with the relevant police stations and our lawyers have also inquired with the court. There is no allegation linking me to this incident,” Gunasekara said.
The report said that Gunasekera failed to appear in court over charges linked to the 2022 arson attack on Ranil Wickremesinghe’s residence and obstruction of firefighters, when the case was taken up before the Fort Magistrate.
The Deputy Minsiter said the report was based on wrong information, adding that it was an insult to the judiciary.