Despite various allegations made regarding the incident in which US$ 2.5 million, which was to be paid as foreign loan installments, ended up in the hands of another party, there is no need to remove the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says. He said this while responding to the media at the Cabinet Decisions Information Press Conference held today (05).
After information was reported regarding this, the Ministry Secretary and the Ministry Management have taken action regarding the relevant incident and accordingly, the Criminal Investigation Department has also approached the Computer Emergency Response Unit with the approval of the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, said the Honorable Nalinda Jayatissa.
The Minister also pointed out that four ministry officials have been suspended in connection with this incident with the approval of the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance.
Responding to a question from a journalist on whether Finance Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma is a dual citizen, the Minister of Mass Media said:
“If he is a dual citizen when he is in Parliament or as a Deputy Minister or as the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, you can go to court against him. I say with great responsibility that he is not a dual citizen at any time while holding office.”