Sri Lanka, April 28 -- Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has been embroiled in a controversy over his recent appointment as the Acting Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), which was promptly challenged in Court by the other faction of the SLFP. In this interview, Dr. Rajapakshe rejects allegations that his appointment is a part of a "deal" with certain persons or groups. He says that his only motivation in whatever he does is serving the public regardless of party affiliations and other divisions.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: A group of people has gone to Court saying that you are not a member of the SLFP and that it is illegal to appoint you as the Acting Chairman of the...