The minister who faced the axe on an allegation that he had demanded a bribe from Japan’s Taisei company has held discussions with a UNP strongman to join the new cabinet.
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa relieved the minister of his duties on the strength of these allegations.
Reports point out that the minister concerned is now facing expulsion for defying his party whip at Wednesday’s Presidential election held in Parliament.
Former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa ordered a special investigation on an allegation by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa that a cabinet minister demanded kickbacks from a project undertaken by a Japanese company. The President removed the minister until the conclusion of the inquiry.
The minister held the portfolio of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Services
Taisei is a Japanese corporation founded in 1987 whose main business areas are building construction, civil engineering and real estate development. In 2020, Taisei won a $564 million contract to construct a multi-level terminal building at Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport.
