In an interesting turn of events, several senior Cabinet ministers representing the UNP came forward in defence of beleaguered Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake, at the weekly Cabinet briefing, last morning.

At the forefront of them was Minister Rajitha Senaratne who said the revelations on Karunanayake had nothing to do with the treasury bonds investigation.

He directed his criticism at the Attorney General’s Department for going after ‘rents and telephone bills’ without investigating into the questionable bond auction.

He said the same efficiency with which the Attorney General’s Department proceeds with Karunanayake’s issue cannot be seen with regard to the investigations against the Rajapaksa family.

When the topic of the Attorney General came up, President Sirisena had said the AG was appointed based on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recommendation.

Several senior Cabinet ministers representing the UNP had endorsed Senaratne’s views on Karunanayake’s matter.

They had said Anika Wijesuriya’s sudden appearance before the Presidential Commission should be investigated.

Anika Wijesuriya, the daughter of businessman Nahil Wijesuriya, is the original owner of the super-luxry apartment rented by Karunanayake’s family, with Arjuna Aloysius’ money.

Karunanayake, however, was the notable absentee at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.