The minister was speaking to ‘BBC Sandeshaya’ over the overseas travel ban imposed on 04 persons including the former Defence secretary and former Navy commander Somathilake Dissanayake by the Galle magistrate courts.

Probe underway

Upon being quizzed whether certain elements within the government itself had stated that charges levelled against Gotabhaya Rajapaksa over the founding of Avant Garde and its continuation, would be dismissed, the minister said that the investigation is still underway.

No one has any right to make such statements. Investigations on this regard are still underway. Only the probing teams understand the issue. However, certain persons make certain statements over various influences, the minister has said.

Several such persons are officials who received appointments from the former defence secretary, he has added.

Misusing officials
The minister further added that even officials have been misused in the Avant-Garde transactions.

Attempts made by 'BBC Sandeshaya' to seek the response former Defence secretary on this regard were unsuccessful.

(BBC Sandeshaya)