Minister Sajith Premadasa cleverly avoided the issue of favoritism as he responded to a leaked video which showed him recommending people for various jobs based on their height.

In this leaked video, he is heard saying "usa athi nam security, usa nathnam kamkaru" (if you have the height, a security job, or else a laborer job). He is also heard saying that he can give jobs through his ministry but not in other ministries as those ministers stuff their ministries with their people.

"To all those who are assassinating my character and attempting to malign my name all I can say is I love you all from the bottom of my heart...keep on insulting" Premadasa said on Facebook.

"there is a huge unemployment issue in hambantota in spite of the port and airport projects which have failed to generate jobs...I got a few job opportunities in the private sector and those employers insist that security personnel have to posses a reasonable height but the labour grade do not specify such a stipulation..this is what I was explaining..this is the truth..and as usual many want to make a mountain out of a mole hill..sad" he added.

However, while responding to the height issue, Premadasa totally avoided the fact that he expressed favoritism to his supporters. In the leaked video, he clearly states that only those who worked for his election will be considered for jobs.