Returning from an education tour of Japan, he telephoned his secretaries and asked if anything was wanted, and they said a new one was required to replace the old television set.

Ramanayake told Sri Lanka Mirror that he instructed his secretaries to set up the TV set and went to have a nap as he was feeling jetlag.

When he woke up, he was told by the secretaries that the TV set was one that had been on display in the shop and that the remote control device and bolts to set up the TV set were missing.

This was confirmed to SLM by the secretary who installed the TV set.

Ramanayake gave a call to the shop, which admitted its mistake and promised to send a new one.

But, that is yet to be done.

- Kelum Shivantha

The deputy minister said he could not attend the COPE report signing due to this mix-up.