Min. Bathiyutheen says he will step down if allegations are proven

A strong statement was made by Minister Rishad Bathiyutheen, in response to claims made by the General Secretary of National Sangha Council, Venerable Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero.

The minister stated that he will step down from politics if allegations on his involvement in the destruction of the Wiilpattu National Park were proven.

Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathiyutheen stated that he counters the challenge made by Venerable thero, where he was made allegations that he, together with his community, destroyed the Wilpattu National Park, and that he was engaged in the drug trade.

He added that he will step down from politics if they could prove that he settled a single Muslim family in Wilpattu, as there is conspiracy behind it.

Citing charges of defamation, Minister Rishad Bathiyutheen had lodged a complaint with the police. The General Secretary of the National Sangha Council Venerable Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero arrived at the Cinnamon Gardens Police to provide a statement on Tuesday, December 22.
He noted that the Minister must fulfill three conditions.

Secretary of the National Sangha Council, Venerable Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero stated that there needs to be intervention as there are number of incidents taking place that affects national security in Wilpattu.