Namal Rajapaksa Responds to SLPP Member's Drug Bust Arrest

COLOMBO — In the wake of a massive drug precursor bust, SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa addressed the media today, distancing the party from its member's alleged involvement while taking a jab at political rivals.

The comments came after Piyal Manamperi, a former Angunukolapelessa local councilor, was arrested in connection with the discovery of nearly 50,000 kg of chemicals used to manufacture the drug 'Ice.' The raw materials were found on land belonging to his brother, Sampath Manamperi, a former SLPP candidate who is now on the run.

During the press conference, Rajapaksa stated, "These people didn't just work for us; they also worked for the JVP. Don't try to pin all of this on us." He drew a parallel to past political controversies, adding, "It's just like how they spoke about Lamborghinis and golden horses."

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has officially suspended the party membership of Sampath Manamperi. In a statement, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam announced that the party has a "zero-tolerance policy" for such offenses and expects a swift investigation to reveal the truth to the public.

Police investigations have revealed that the chemicals were allegedly brought into the country by organized criminal 'Kehelbaddara Padme,' and their transport was coordinated by another suspect known as 'Backhoe Saman.' These details were uncovered during the interrogation of suspects arrested overseas. (NewsCenter)