Export Development Minister, Prof.GL Peiris today  claimed that the demand by the United Nations  on the Sri Lankan government to  submit an explanation on the reported allegation made by retired Army Commander, General Sarath Fonseka to the "Sunday Leader" was serious in nature and it would cause damage to the economy and the image of the country.

The minister was addressing the media at the Mahaweli Centre this morning to express views on the  UN demand made on Sri Lanka.

Prof.Peiris said that Gen.Fonseka's irresponsible statement had not only dragged the Defence Secretary and then Brigadier Shaveendra Silva into  ridicule but also the entire 58th Division  of the Army.

He added that such baseless allegations only helped LTTE sympathisers worldwide and assisted interested sections to place embargoes and deprive the nation of facilities like the GSP +.

The minister  noted that Fonseka's statement to the "Sunday Leader" looked  to have been made to gain political advantage as a candidate with a motive to conspire against the Army and the State of Sri Lanka.