Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando has refuted social media reports claiming that he rejected a proposed USD 23 million donation linked to associates of Sri Lankan artist Sangeeth Wijesuriya, citing IMF programme restrictions. Speaking during a televised interview, Fernando stressed that the statements attributed to him were “completely incorrect” and misleading. He clarified that he had not met artist Sangeeth Wijesuriya or his associates regarding the matter, nor had he made any remarks about such donations. Fernando explained that while he had encountered Wijesuriya during past election campaign rallies, they had not met since. “We see on social media even statements we have not made being shared and circulated. Sometimes it is things we have not done and some are wrong statements. I have not said anything related to this,” he said. The Deputy Minister pointed out that the true situation must be clarified directly with Sangeeth Wijesuriya, adding that misinformation online had distorted the issue. He reiterated that the claim linking him to the alleged rejection of funds was baseless. (Newswire)
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