Minister Rajitha Senaratne on Wednesday has condemned the remark made by a top government official that people should get accustomed to living on croton and jack leaves (kos kola) if there is a shortage of food.

He expressed this view while speaking at a press conference held in Colombo.

“It was the Agriculture Director General who made this observation. He would be the first to eat croton and jack leaves if I was the Minister of his department.”

While clarifying the Delimitation Committee had to take some time to conclude its task, Senaratne went on to say its final draft will be gazetted on 31 January.

He also denied allegation there was an intention to take revenge by apprehending and remanding MP Wimal Weerawansa.

He underlined the Magistrate also asserted that the police have enough evidence to charge Wimal Weerawansa. Senaratne said allegation against Deputy Megapolis and Western Development Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna who was the Deputy Minister of Wimal’s former Ministry is also under review. “All ministers want to utilize vehicles for their official purposes, but no one can be compared to Weerawansa,” he added.

The Minister also charged Weerawansa of misusing his powers to use state vehicles for a cab service.