Had president Maithripala Sirisena known about the loss of jobs of these war heroes, he would not have done so, he has told BBC Sandeshaya.

The president has been pushed against the wall in this matter, he said, stressing that he has never met the president.

Reputation?

Senadhipathi refuted allegations by certain ministers that he had tarnished their reputation, adding that it was him who had been subjected to insults.

The FCID recorded a statement from him yesterday (08) over a complaint by Rajitha Senaratne, Arjuna Ranatunga and Champika Ranawaka that he had tarnished their reputation.

Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said the investigators would decide the next course of action with regard to the complaint.

Criminal defamation

Senadhipathi said the CID could not take any step since the criminal defamation law has been annulled, adding that he would take action against these ministers for having insulted him and his company.

He rejected allegations that his company was illegal, and asked as to why the state-owned Rakna Lanka on October 15 renewed all agreements with Avant Garde for five more years.

Investigations are underway into an arms-carrying ship owned by Avant Garde that had arrived at Galle port from Red Sea.