Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake today appeared before the committee, headed by Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella, that is investigating the claims made by Ramanayake on ministers and deputy ministers using Cocaine. 

The UNP-appointed committee comprises of Kiriella, UNP national list MP Ashu Marasinghe and Lawyer Nissanka Nanayakkara. 

Kiriella is expected to present the report of the committee to the next Working Committee meeting of the UNP. 

Ramanayake's claims have earned severe criticism from UNP parliamentary group with many claiming that the Deputy Minister's remarks have plunged the government into a state of embarrasment. 

Addressing a press conference last week, Ramanayake said he would reveal the names of the drug addicts in Parliament not inside the chambers, but in public allowing the "accused" to prosecute him for defamation if his claims are untrue. 

"I can reveal the names inside Parliament hiding behind Parliament privileges. But I am not shameless like Weeravansa or Rajapaksa who recently criticized judges in Parliament hiding behind privileges. If I say something I will say it outside which is fair by the accused, " Ramanayake also said in a series of tweets earlier this week.  

Ramanayake's remarks come in the wake of his controversial statement that there are 24 drug users in Parliament including Cabinet, state and deputy ministers. 

"I already have 24 defamation cases filed by drug lords & robbers with highly paid lawyers appearing. when I reveal names in public they will be more cases. I don't have a family to worry & I am not scared.I am wondering whether I need to spend rest of my life in courts, " the Deputy Minister said. 

"Good to see in parliament that Mahinda Rajapaksa who when the president went to safeguard a drug lord in Negombo when a STF raid happened spoke against drugs. 90% MPs I am talking about are in his side including the drug leader who runs Negombo, " he added. 

The UNP, however, has already appointed a committee headed by Lakshman Kiriella to ascertain the truth of Ramanayake's claims.