Rajapaksas helped me with resettlements in Mannar : Rishad Bathiudeen

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen expressed the views regarding the controversial resettlement in Mannar during an event held in Mattakuliya today. Rishad Bathiudeen noted that the resettlement in Mannar occurred during the Rajapaksa government. He added that the resettlement was aided by the Rajapaksas and after the operation was carried out they pointed fingers at him claiming that he destroyed Wilpattu. He added that he requested the President in writing that if he did something wrong, that a Presidential Commission to be appointed and legal action be taken against him. He added that according to Islam it is a sin to cut down even one tree and the Minister who took over his ministry, his successor accuses him stating that he will throw him in jail. "I challenge him to do so. I have held this ministerial portfolio for 15 years. Not once has anything happened under my tenure. I held that portfolio for 9 years under the Rajapaksa government, ask them how much I have sacrificed for this country" Bathiudeen added.