He added that doubts are being raised as to whether the issue is being repeatedly provoked by a certain media channel in order to ensure that this profitable business venture ends up in the clutches of one of their affiliates.

Speaking at the 'Derana 360' TV programme, the minister said that the reason for this is a monopoly created by Avant Garde in the field, not only locally, but overseas as well.

This venture, which generates a high-income despite a comparatively low-cost, cannot be branded as illegal, the minister further added.

"When a certain sect generates the idea 'they are no different that the others', the public tends to think that no one is as 'clean' as that particular sect. However, the truth is, this sect too, is doing so to back someone else."

Noting that the Opposition is not deeming Avant Garde as illegal, minister Harin said that it is the government itself which is doing so.

The minister also said that Thilak Marapana resigned from his ministerial post on ethical grounds and not after being intimidated by anyone.

That is the difference of the UNP, he added.

He also said that ministers Champika Ranawaka and Rajitha Senaratne, who are opposing Avant Garde now, were functioning as Cabinet ministers when the company signed agreements with the then government.

Noting that they were unable to raise their protest back then, minister Harin said that they are able to do so now as the present government safeguards democracy.