Pandora Papers investigation report stalled by Opposition asking for more time

Investigations by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) into the Pandora Papers revelations had been delayed since those from the Opposition, to give evidence before the commission, have asked for additional time, Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando told Parliament yesterday.

The Minister said that delay had been created as former MP Ranjan Ramanayake asked for time to give his testimony. “Ramanayake has sought the permission of the Commission to present evidence that he is said to have in his possession. The commission has granted him that permission. Thereafter, Ramanayake asked for more time to produce them. Then again more time has been sought by him stating that his legal counsel contracted COVID-19. Ramanayake sent an affidavit a few days ago. The delay has been caused by this.”

The Minister said so responding to a question raised by JVP/NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the progress in the investigations into Pandora Papers exposures.

MP Dissanayake said that Director General (Legal Affairs) to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 03 Oct. 2021 told media that the President had ordered CIABOC to investigate the matters pertaining to the Pandora Papers allegations and to report back within a month. “Accordingly, the investigation report should have been submitted on or before 03 Nov 2021. It seems that the report has not yet been submitted to the President. We believe that the President undertook to have the corruption allegations in Pandora Papers probed as there was a public outcry, and thereafter he let it be forgotten. It is said that the President is very keen on the progress of his orders. Now, four months have lapsed since the promised day. Has the President’s Office asked the CIABOC why it failed to submit the investigation report,” MP Dissanayake queried.

Minister Fernando said: “I made inquiries about this investigation form the Presidential Secretariat. MP Dissanayake wants to know why there has been a delay in the submission of the report. It is because investigations are not over yet. The investigations were delayed because former MP Ramanayake asked for more time to give his testimony. The JVP leader has not been informed of this.