Speaking to the media today (20), he said he had hoped that the thieves would have been dealt with by now.

He charged that those who had done deals with the previous regime were having close links with the ministers of the present administration.

Ranatunga said however, he would fulfill his responsibilities, noting that a general election was due.

He said he would leave if asked by the president only, and would not be obliged to do so like a puppet, at the behest of others.

The ports minister claimed that those others had done nothing of what he has achieved so far.