In response to a statement by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles that there may be people who are greedy for his ministerial post, the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) stated that there are no such individuals in their party.

Speaking to the media recently, Alles said that there could be those who are greedy for his ministerial post and that such individuals may attempt to convince President Ranil Wickremesinghe to remove him (Alles) as the Public Security Minister.

While speaking to The Daily Morning, SLPP General Secretary and Parliamentarian attorney Sagara Kariyawasam claimed that there are no such SLPP members pursuing ministerial posts. “We have never been greedy for positions. We promised Wickremesinghe that we would support him in rebuilding the country. We will do that with or without positions.”

He further said that the SLPP aims to support all progressive programmes carried out by anyone, including Alles, and that they would also not hesitate to criticise shortcomings, if any. “We must say that we are ready to support any good initiatives by Ministers and State Ministers. In the same way, we will speak up against their shortcomings too. Making such criticisms is not an attempt to grab their positions,” he said.

During a recent media briefing, the media queried Alles about an alleged plan to remove him as the Public Security Minister, to which he said that he was not aware of any such plan. “There are various powerful individuals behind the drug menace and underworld activities. When I carry out these activities to combat them, they will do various things to stop us. There may also be those who like to hold this ministerial post. I don’t think about them. I will do what needs to be done as long as I am here. When I feel that I cannot do this, I will leave. I also know that President Wickremesinghe will not allow them to do such things,” he said.