Speaking at a function in Embilipitiya yesterday (13), Rathnapura District MP - Heshan Withanage said that the public is gradually understanding the true situation.

He added that certain persons are posing this as an issue with the objective of grabbing this business from Avant Garde and handing it over to another company, he added.

Only management of arms

Following a recent meeting with the President, minister Rajitha Senaratne had said that it was decided to hand over the operations of Avant Garde to the Sri Lanka Navy.

However, Justice minister - Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe who had also attended the meeting has said that a complete handing over is yet to take place.

Upon inquiring from the Defence Secretary - Karunasena Hettiarachchi, we learnt that the Navy is only tasked with the management of arms.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy said that they had commenced accepting weapons and equipment aboard the Avant Garde Floating armoury from yesterday (13).

Responsibility of 6,500 jobs

Meanwhile, Avant Garde Chairman - Nissanka Senadhipathi says that minister Senaratne should shoulder the responsibility of jobs for 6,500 ex-military men who have been serving in his company.

If a decision is taken to put the lives of all these men and their families in darkness, minister Senaratne should be solely responsible, he added.

He was speaking after being inquired on the statements made by the minister to the media.