Minister Rishad Bathiudeen today (7) issued an open challenge to anyone who could prove that he “re-settled any Pakistani nationals within the Northern Province” -and vowed that if proven, he is ready to call it quits immediately. 

“Today I challenge anyone who could prove that I re-settled any Pakistani nationals or outsiders within the Northern Province-and if proven, I am ready resign from my portfolio immediately,” Bathiudeen.

Minister Bathiudeen was addressing a special media briefing held at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce against the apparent vilification campaign taking shape in certain media segments targeting him that, among others, alleged that Muslim IDP resettlements led by him are damaging the Wilpattu Forest Reserve in Northern Province.    

“During the past few weeks, some television and the news media have negatively reported on continued and illegal Muslim resettlements in the Marichchikatti Grama Seva division which is outside the Wilpattu National Park. One privately owned media channel, during the last seven days, alleged that I have been destroying the Wilpattu jungle areas and also mentioned that I have been working to create an exclusive Zone to settle Pakistani nationalities and people from other Districts in this zone. These are campaigns of vilification” said Minister Bathiudeen. 

“I am in total support of re-settling whoever was displaced in North-Sinhalese, Tamils or Muslims. I also thank the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister Basil Rajapaksa, the Commanders of tri-forces, the forces themselves as well as all other people for the support and commitment given to re-settle in the aftermath of end of war in 2009,” the Minister added.