Businessman ASP Liyanage arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption this morning to give a statement on his planned 'gift' of a palatial mansion to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Following the Presidential Election in January 2015, it was widely reported that Liyanage was planning to hand over the 'Peacock House' mansion at Rajagiriya to Rajapaksa.

“When a friend asked for a help, I decided to help him” Liyanage told media over his decision to ‘gift’ the house.

However, the deal failed to materialize as Liyanage later changed his mind. He told media later that pressure from his wife and daughters prevented him from handing over the house.

He said that he was scared to dabble in politics anymore.

Liyanage was known as a close associate of Mahinda Rajapaksa. The former President appointed Liyanage as the High Commissioner to Nigeria.