Social Empowerment Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake said the Divisional Secretary of Divulapitiya should tender a public apology over her failure to take action against 'illegal miners' in the area.

“The illegal miners have formed a mafia of sorts in the area. I was informed that 48 persons had died due to their fights. Unfortunately, the state authorities are turning a blind eye to the issue,” Ramanayake told the BBC Sandeshaya.

 Commenting on his controversial telephone conversation with the Divisional Secretary, Ramanayake said he never threatened to assault the official.

“I didn't say I would punch her in the face. I simply asked about the manner in which she would take action, if someone punched her in the face. Some media stations distorted my remarks,” Ramanayake said. 

“There is nothing wrong in cursing. Those destroying the environment should be cursed,” the Deputy Minister stressed.

Deputy Minister Ramanayake also went on to publish the unedited footage of the incident on his official Facebook page yesterday.