Explaining his stance on the decision to resign from his post as the Minister of Law and Order, Tilak Marapana asserts the conduct of the operations at the Avant Garde Security Service were legal.

Marapana during a press conference held at his residence in Colombo this morning (09) added operations of the Avant Garde ship still continue.

He also went into say he believes the controversy surrounding the Avant Garde issue emerged due to lack of understanding. Repeating the observation he recently made at the Parliament, Marapana charged that the police officers were eager to “gain points” with the issue.

“The vessel was in the Galle Harbour since October 2014. It was anchored about 100 meters away from the Harbour Police Station. It is a surprise if nobody saw it beforehand,” he said.

“Since an investigation is underway about the Avant Garde issue, I have decided to tender my resignation,” said Marapana who was the former Legal Advisor to the Avant Garde Security Service. 

“According to my knowledge, the Rakna Lanka Security Service and Sri Lanka Navy had a turnover of 18% each from the Avant Garde Security Service,” he added.

Marapana tendered his resignation as a Cabinet Minister to President Maithripala Sirisena, this morning.