Former Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse has categorically denied allegations that he misused state fuel during his tenure.
Issuing a statement, Rajapakse said false information had been circulated on social media and other electronic media with the intention of damaging his reputation, without properly examining the approved procedures governing fuel usage.
He said he obtained fuel only within the legally allocated entitlement and approved limits during his tenure, adding that he possessed all official documents and records relating to the matter.
Rajapakse said it was regrettable that such baseless allegations had been made publicly without proper verification.
He also said there was no suitable official vehicle available for him to perform his duties as Deputy Speaker and that he had been entitled to obtain a vehicle externally on a rental basis.
However, he said he had avoided the significant cost that would have been incurred by renting an external vehicle, thereby saving public funds.
Rajapakse stressed that he had performed his duties in accordance with the traditions, laws and regulations applicable to previous Speakers and Deputy Speakers, and had not engaged in any illegal activity.
He further alleged that the action was intended to suppress corruption allegations involving individuals currently holding government positions who should be subjected to audits.
