According to reports, he has said that during a discussion held with the production team of Raigam Tele'es which was held at the Kingsbury hotel on May 10.

Speaking to 'Sri Lanka Mirror', a member of the ITN production team who was present, said that ITN Director - Dhanushka Ramanayake had also attended the discussion.

It is said that Ramanayake himself had worked at the Raigam group in the past.

Dr. Liyanage's statement had caused outrage in media circles with several professionals calling for an apology.

However, upon contacting Dr. Liyanage on this regard, he refuted such claims, saying that he had never said so.

He added that he did not believe in procuring services by providing just food and drink to people.

He added that he had come to an agreement with Janashakthi insurance to provide life insurance worth Rs. one million to the nominees of Raigam Tele'es. 'In such a backdrop, why would I not spend for media publicity,' he asks.