He is giving an interview to Sri Lanka Mirror editor Kelum Shivantha.

Corruption in the name of development

The previous government had committed corruption in the guise of building roads, he charged.

Certain projects were too costly, while others are too big, said the deputy minister.

I’ve nothing to hide

Answering a question as to whether he was hiding his religion, he said he did not choose his country of birth, race or religion.

He said he recognized all as equals.

Bond issue

He had this to say about the Central Bank bond issue.

Mahinda doesn’t know maths

The deputy minister said he felt sorry for defeated president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Rajapaksa does not know his maths, he went onto say.

No COPE report on bond issue

There is no COPE report with regard to the bond issue, and only an investigation has been conducted, he said.

Fate in people’s hands

He said he had left his job as a banker and entered politics to serve the country.

This is the first time I am seeking a public mandate, and it is up to the people to decide, he said.