Speaking to the media at Sirikotha yesterday (18), he said that in addition, 25 investigations were ongoing with regard to incidents in which Rajapaksas were directly involved.

There is a delay in the investigations due to human resources issues in the bribery commission and the police, said the minister, adding that it would take three to four years to conclude the investigations.

Five-star democracy

Under the present government, the country is enjoying a five-star democracy, and the resultant freedom is seen by some as a collapse of the government, he said.

Ministers are criticizing each other, some are resigning, which are seen by some as a collapse of the government, but that is our strength and a sign of good governance, said Samaraweera.

Commenting on certain media reports that he was having a dispute with prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, he said it, and many others, were a media fabrication to create clashes in the government.

The media has published many things against the government, but not a single journalist has been questioned by the government, which is a sign of good governance of the present regime, the minister added.