The attention of the Foreign Ministry has been drawn to a news item appearing on the newsfirst.lk website titled “We purchased weapons from North Korea using Black Market Dollars’ – Minister Basil R” dated 31 January 2022.

The Foreign Ministry wishes to state that Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris has spoken in this regard with his Cabinet colleague, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa who has categorically denied the comments attributed to him in the said news item.

The Foreign Ministry would appreciate it if this response is given the same prominence as the said news item.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

01 February, 2022