Tagged: Sri Lanka

Not since 1992/93 has this country been on a political roller coaster as it is today. We are experiencing game changing events virtually every week. The game changing event of the past week was the pro-Mahinda rally in Kurunegala last Friday. It was held soon after the breakdown in talks between the Sirisena and Rajapaksa factions of the SLFP. One of the main points discussed at this meeting was the prime ministerial candidacy of the UPFA. When the talks broke down, one would think that the Kurunegala rally held barely 48 hours later would be a flop with disappointed Mahinda loyalists abandoning him because president Sirisena had denied him the PM candidacy. Yet, the crowd in Kurunegala was even bigger than the crowd at the Nugegoda rally. 

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that neither he, nor his wife, sons or brothers, have secret offshore accounts or illegal overseas investments in front companies.

Responding to the claim by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera that the Rajapaksa family has concealed US$ 18 billion in secret offshore accounts, the former President said that legal advice will be sought on the statement made by the Minister.Minister Samaraweera told a news conference in Colombo last week that information has been received from foreign intelligence agencies that Rajapaksa, his wife, sons and brothers had amassed a fortune of 18 billion US dollars concealed in secret offshore accounts and front companies overseas.

A crucial discussion between former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and incumbent Mathripala Sirisena yesterday on five issues including fielding former as the SLFP Prime Ministerial candidate at the forthcoming general election ended with both sides agreeing to refer them to the SLFP Central Committee for approval.

The discussion held at the President’s office in the Parliamentary Complex with the participation of several SLFP MPs assisting both parties had taken up the issue of dissolving local government bodies prior to the general election, contesting the next general election under the UPFA banner, nomination of candidates at the general election and putting an immediate end to political interference with investigations conducted by the police Financial Crimes Investigation Division, SLFP General Secretary Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

The police hadn’t been able to establish a prima facie case to proceed with the investigation  into an allegation that a section of the army sought to help former President Mahinda Rajapaksa remain in power in spite of his defeat at the Jan.8 presidential poll, authoritative sources told The Island  However, Police Headquarters spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekera told The Island that the investigation had been concluded and the findings submitted to Attorney General Yuwanjana Wanasundera Wijayathilake for further action.

 The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) recorded several statements, including that of former Army Commander the then Lt. Gen. Daya Ratnayake in connection with the investigation. The CID also questioned the then External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris because of him being present at Temple Trees on the presidential election night.