The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has denied all the allegations levelled against its National Organiser, MP Namal Rajapaksa, who was arrested and remanded yesterday in connection with the controversial Airbus deal.

Issuing a statement, SLPP General Secretary, Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam, said that his party believes the allegations to be baseless and politically motivated.

He further stated that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) was created with extensive powers to root out corruption or fraud that may occur in the country, and not to use it as a weapon for politics.

The statement also stated that if attempts are made to use independent state institutions located in the country as a tool for political threats, all citizens who respect the country and its democracy should pay close attention to this matter.

The SLPP General Secretary has alleged in the relevant letter that Namal Rajapaksa’s arrest is questionable in light of the information being received that a huge crowd was expected to participate in the public rally, which was planned to be held in Anuradhapura on September 12, bringing together the people of this country who have been affected by the actions of the current government.

However, the party emphasised that although Namal Rajapaksa has been remanded, the public rally scheduled to be held in Anuradhapura on September 12 will be held as planned, as per the wishes of the parliamentarian.