Friday, February 24, 2012

Defence ministry tapping phones of 687 persons - Mangala; Govt admits

UNP’s Mangala Samaraweera alleged in parliament yesterday (Feb. 23) that the defence ministry was tapping the phones of 687 persons. They included 124 cabinet ministers and government MPs as well as religious leaders, newspaper editors and several journalists, he said, adding that two Chinese phone companies are being paid huge sums for carrying this out.
 This is a very serious situation, as the two companies have even recorded phone conversations of Mahanayake Theras, alleged the UNP MP.

 Responding, UPFA’s Thilanga Sumathipala said phone tapping by intelligence services was a normal occurrence in most countries.

 By taking such a measure, Sri Lanka could avoid any future threat, he added.
SLM