Rishad slams accusations linking him to extremist group

The official photo released to the press on 2 June 2017 of Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen’s June 1, 2017 official meeting with the Colombo Traders Association’s (CTA) Secretary Mr. Suriyar (at left- also Chairman of Sooriyan Traders ) and Chairman of CTA YM Ibrahim (Chairman, Ishana Exports Pvt Ltd –seated at far right) at the Ministry premises, Colombo 3. Seated second, third and fourth from the right were officials of Ministry of Industry and Commerce, while seated fifth to ninth (at right) were other representatives from CTA.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons and Cooperative Development, Skills Development and Vocational Training, Rishad Bathiudeen pointed out that any Industry and Commerce Minister has to meet business and trade representatives for trade-related issues.

“Any Industry and Commerce Minister meets business and trade representatives for trade issues. As the Minister of Trade, I too meet business and trade representatives on a regular basis,” the Minister said.

“I strongly condemn such false accusations but sadly people like me who have always been opposed to terrorism are now being accused of having links with terrorists,” the Minister said.

“I met with Ibrahim Hajiar, the Chairman of Colombo Traders’ Association (CTA) along with other CTA representatives at the Ministry to discuss matters pertaining to certain supply issues that were officially submitted to me,” he said.

The Minister added that there could be no political campaign worse or cheaper than accusing him of terrorist links over a photo of an official meeting.

The Minister also said that the law should be strictly enforced on the terrorists and their organisations that were responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks.