‘If you want a statement, get me down again at state expense’

- Mar 06, 2016

“I am on vacation in Sri Lanka. I cannot waste my time at the CID during my vacation.  If you want a statement from me, send me a ticket at state expense. Normally I travel by business class or first class only. Also, book a hotel close to the CID for me to stay,” said former Army commander and present Sri Lankan ambassador in Brazil Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya to CID officials.

He was responding to a CID request over the phone to be present at the CID headquarters to record a statement from him with regard to the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda. CID officials have got to know that he was in Sri Lanka with foreign ministry approval and at state expense.

 

If Jayasuriya should come on a private vacation, he should bear all his expenses. But, the foreign ministry has paid for all the expenses for this visit. He has refused to be present at the CID, because he can use this chance to come to Sri Lanka again at state expense.