by Our Parliamentary Corr.
The UNP in Parliament yesterday requested the government to appoint a select committee to look into corruption in arms deals after Minister Batty Weerakoon said that there is corruption in arms deals.

Minister of Justice Batty Weerakoon speaking on the Budget debate said that there is corruption at the "highest levels of administration" in arms deals.

UNP MP A. H. M. Azwer seeking a clarification asked Minister Weerakoon to reveal the names of the people involved in corruption. When the Minister did not name them UNP MP John Amaratunga requested the government to appoint a select committee to inquire into the statement made by the Minister.

He said that Rs. 40 billion was spent an arms procurement last year and the amount will be around Rs. 60 billion this year. Since the taxpayers money is involved he asked for a select committee.

Afterwards Chief Opposition Whip W. J. M. Lokubandara proposed to the House the appointment of a select committee and MP A. H. M. Azwer seconded it. However, it was not taken for a vote.