Dayasiri, Bimal Ratnayake in showdown
Saturday, 12 July 2025 - 10:06 pm
In a dramatic tu of events in Parliament today, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera alleged that Minister of Transport, Ports and Aviation, Bimal Ratnayake, had ordered the release of 309 red-labelled containers-an accusation that sparked uproar across the chamber.
Jayasekera’s claim caused an immediate commotion, prompting a fiery response from Minister Ratnayake and other gove ment members. Amid the heated exchange, a deputy minister was heard shouting, “Anne palayang ban yanna” (Just get lost), underscoring the rising tensions in the House.
'The CID only questions opposition MPs who speak out about the container issue,” Jayasekera asserted. “Yet, Minister Ratnayake is alleged to have authorised the release of these red-labelled containers.” He also expressed frustration over being denied the opportunity to raise a parliamentary privilege issue related to the CID’s investigation.
Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih responded by clarifying that the Speaker had referred the matter to the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), who stated that Jayasekera was being questioned for remarks made outside Parliament. “You cannot be allowed to raise a privilege issue based on the Acting IGP’s explanation,” Salih said.
Jayasekera, however, pushed back: “How can the Acting IGP decide on the parliamentary privileges of MPs?”
Later, addressing the chamber, Minister Ratnayake firmly denied any wrongdoing. “I have never used my ministerial powers to grant favours or interfere in Customs matters. I have not, and will not, get involved in the clearance of containers,” he said.
He added that a foreign diplomat had once requested his assistance in releasing a shipment of dates intended as a donation to Sri Lankan Muslims. “I declined to intervene,” Ratnayake noted. “If the opposition MPs have evidence regarding the red-labelled containers, why are they hesitant to share it with the CID?” he asked.
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