News
SJB says Pandora Papers probe mere eyewash
Main Opposition SJB alleged that the Government was attempting to sweep the Pandora papers under the carpet and the investigation will be mere eyewash.
SJB Colombo District MP SM Marikkar on Thursday told Parliament that the government appeared to be intent on hushing the issue by linking the time of the commission of the alleged offence to a non-Rajapaksa regime era prior to 1994.
The aim of linking the issue to those years was because money laundering regulations were introduced in the country only in 2006.
He said that an investigation had been conducted by the Yahapalanaya government on Thirukumar Nadesan, the husband of Nirupama Rajapaksa, whose name was in the Pandora Papers and his alleged links to a luxury house in Malwana.
“According to the investigations, between Dec 2012 to Nov 2014, $ 2.4 million had come into the country from a company called ‘Red Ruth’ via HSBC – Hong Kong to the NTB’s Cinnamon Gardens branch.
“Thereafter, from January to November 2014, a further $ 1.3 million had been paid into another account of Nadesan, totalling $ 3.7 million. Overall, total funds received amounted to $ 5.9 million,” Marikkar said, adding that the funds had been transferred by China Cement Engineering and China National Machinery.
He alleged the funds were a kickback by the Chinese and linked to Sri Lanka Government payments amounting to Rs. 4 billion to Chinese firms in connection to the Gin and Nilawala Ganga project just prior to the 2015 Presidential election, which the Rajapaksa’s lost.
“Between December 2014 and early January 2015, Rs. 4 billion was remitted,” claimed the SJB MP, reading from a document during his speech.
Marikkar said that the decision to appoint a Commission to probe the Pandora papers was eyewash.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will represent Sri Lanka at the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican City, the Ministry said.
The funeral is scheduled for today.
About 50,000 people came to pay their respects to the late Pope on Thursday, the Vatican news service said.
“Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, an ancient tradition of nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of the late Pope’s soul,” according to the Vatican news service.
“The Novemdiales Masses will be held each day at 5:00 PM (GMT +2) in St. Peter’s Basilica, except for the Mass on Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 27, which will take place at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square.”
An underworld hitman who attempted to break into a house in the Andiambalama area of Katunayake to kill a businessman was arrested in Rajanganaya by the police and the Special Task Force (STF) on Thursday night after the attempt failed and he escaped by jumping over a wall.
Investigations have revealed that this individual is connected to a number of murders, including the recent killing of a businessman known as “Indikatu Jude” in the Seeduwa area a few weeks ago, as well as several other criminal activities.
Police said that the suspect was responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a man sleeping in a three-wheeler in the Gampaha area and attempting to assassinate another person at the Negombo market.
The suspect arrived in Andiambalama with another underworld assassin to murder a businessman engaged in money lending from his residence.
At the time of the incident, the businessman attempted to close his electric gate. The contract killer and his accomplice tried to shoot the businessman, but their weapon malfunctioned and did not fire. A struggle ensued between the businessman and the two assailants, after which the assailants tried to escape by jumping over the wall of the house as the would-be victim ran into the house.
During the escape, one of the suspects fell from the wall and fractured a bone in his leg. Local residents captured him after assaulting him and handed him over to the police.
The other contract killer managed to flee the scene but was later apprehended in the Rajanganaya area.Investigations are being carried out under the supervision of Negombo Division SSP Ashoka Dharmasena.
By Hemantha Randunu
The Committee of Inquiry investigating IGP T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon over alleged gross abuse of power has formally requested the Acting IGP to nominate a police investigation team to assist its work. The request was made during the Committee’s second meeting, held yesterday (25 April) in the Parliamentary complex.
The Attorney General has appointed Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris, and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, to support the Committee’s proceedings.
At the session, the Committee held initial discussions on how to proceed with the investigation and involve key stakeholders. It was agreed that the next meeting will be held on 28 April, 2025, to decide on the next steps.
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