Moscow seeks explanation from Colombo
Russia has sought an explanation from Sri Lanka as regards a recent claim by Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera that Russia funded a special propaganda unit backing UPFA/Joint Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa.
A spokesperson for the Russian embassy in Colombo yesterday told The Island that they had noted Minister Samaraweera’s statement and requested an explanation from the Foreign Ministry. The Russian embassy said so, in response to The Island query whether Sri Lanka had taken up the alleged Russian project in support of MP Rajapaksa with the Russian embassy in Colombo in the wake of Samaraweera’s allegation.
Former Foreign Minister Samaraweera recently told a gathering in Matara that Namal Rajapaksa was receiving Russian help. Samaraweera said that he was making the statement with responsibility.
The accusations were directed at Russia in the wake of China being accused of funding President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s 2015 re-election bid to the tune of USD 7.6 mn.
Recently, former External Affairs Minister and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Prof. G.L. Peiris alleged that the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government was busy antagonizing Security Council members China and Russia by making frivolous charges.
(Source: The Island – By Shamindra Ferdinando)
Latest Headlines
- Sri Lanka-born woman in UK becomes youngest ever non-white Crown Court judge June 7, 2023
- Sri Lanka appointed Special parliamentary committee to probe New Diamond, X-Press Pearl disasters June 6, 2023
- Cabinet approves proposal to reduce Maximum Retail Prices of 60 types of medicine June 6, 2023
- Two officers of Agrarian Service Centre arrested for soliciting a bribe June 6, 2023
- Sri Lanka’s LGBTQ+ community holds Pride march, demands end to discrimination June 5, 2023
- India’s first international cruise from Chennai to Sri Lanka to be flagged off today June 5, 2023
- ‘Sandahiru Seya Charity Trust’ donates Dialysis Machine to Anuradhapura Hospital June 5, 2023
Under the bed, Mangy, that’s the only place to hide.
Hope the Woodpecker Mangala found his Banana tree!