Avant Garde issue similar to Millennium City incident - Marapana

 Minister of Law and Order Tilak Marapana today said he believes the whole controversy surrounding the Avant Garde issue is a result of a lack of understanding regarding the floating armoury and police officers eager to “gain points” with the new government. 

The ministers made these remarks in response to a statement made by JVP leader and Chief Opposition Whip Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Parliament.

Dissanayake accused Ministers in the government of intervening to “protect the Avant Garde deal.” 

He also claimed that the President was sworn in on January 9 and that the following day he met with the owner of Avant Garde through Minister Vajira Abeywardena.

“I think the reason for such confusion is due to the lack of understanding regarding the floating armoury,” the minister of Law and Order and Prison Reforms said. 

“The vessel was in the Galle Harbour since October 2014. It is a surprise if nobody saw it.” 

However, referring to the ‘B report’ submitted by the Galle OIC to the Galle Magistrate, the Chief Opposition Whip said that the police were unaware of such a vessel and that it was birthed at the harbor. 

The minister responded saying: “I think you have not been properly notified regarding the fact. I cannot believe that the police did not see this. That is not what happened.” 

“The police jumped in to gain points as soon as the government changed, similar to the raid on Millennium City in 2002. That’s the reality.” 

“I don’t understand why any misconduct cannot be shown if there is any misconduct,” Marapana said.