Following reports in some newspapers that Secretary to the President, Kusumsiri Balapatabendi had tendered in his resignation on the Presidential Secretariat said that:

President’s office regrets the false news reports regarding Secretary to the President, Mr. K. Balapatabendi appearing in some media, both electronic and print including the Daily Mirror [15th June], Ravaya [17th June] and Thinakkural [15th June].

Mr. Balapatabendi is on a private visit to London on leave, and is scheduled to return to his office early next week Monday 18th. It is completely false to say that Mr. Balapatabendi has no intention of returning to the Island.

President’s office is unaware of any controversy as stated in some media reports concerning Mr. Balapatabendi.

President’s office, further wishes to mention that these reports are completely malicious and are fabricated by the anti-government elements.