Former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has rejected allegations made by Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake, stating that he never occupied an official Government residence or used public funds for personal expenses.

In a statement, Abeywardena clarified that while Government funds were utilised for hosting foreign diplomats, all personal expenses were covered by his own finances.

He also refuted claims of excessive fuel usage, asserting that he was provided with only three vehicles for security and that all additional staff vehicles adhered to official guidelines.

Dismissing the reported fuel expenditure of Rs. 33.4 million as "statistically impossible," he urged Parliament to conduct a special audit.

He also encouraged journalists to examine financial records dating back to 2020 under the Freedom of Information Act to verify his claims.

Abeywardena criticised the spread of misinformation for political advantage, stressing that leadership should be judged by actions rather than appearances.

He concluded his statement by citing verses from the Dhammapada, expressing confidence that truth would ultimately prevail.