<b>Ravi sues Mangala </b>

The Sunday Leader

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake has demanded Rs. 1,000 million from former Minister Mangala Samaraweera for the latter’s statements made recently at a press conference, described by Minister Karunanayake as “damaging” and “baseless”.

The statement made by Samaraweera was published in a daily newspaper on July 20, 2002.

In a letter addressed to Samaraweera, Karunanayake’s lawyer states Samaraweera’s statement saying that Karunanayake is obviously trying to sabotage an increasingly good relationship that has been established between the prime minister and the president is false.

Referring to another statement of Samaraweera that says that the minister has accused the president of being a suicide bomber and trying to kill the prime minister, the cabinet and herself is also false.

Referring to another allegation of Samaraweera, that the prime minister has fully agreed with the president that this amateur and third grade behaviour of Karunanayake must stop, the lawyer says is also false.

Lawyer G.G.Arulpragasam’s letter states as follows; “The aforesaid statements have been made mala fide and maliciously with a view to discrediting my client. In the circumstances my client has suffered loss of reputation both as a person and as a politician. My client estimates the damages at Rs. 1,000 million.”

-The Sunday Leader -