By Colombo Telegraph –
The Lawyers for the Chief Justice Dr. Shirani A. Bandaranayake replied to the allegations related to her bank accounts in the impeachment motion. It replies the most serious four charges on finances. According her lawyers all operative bank accounts have been declared by her. Only accounts not declared are those which are closed or with zero balances- so there are no assets. The much talked of apartment is bought by her sister and brother in law- engineers in Australia who have sent all monies through the Bank.
Her Lawyers Neelakandan and Neelakandan wrote to three major media companies re the allegations. We below publish the letter wrote to MTV/MBC .
The News Director
MTV/ MBC
No.4413, Braybrook Street
Colombo 02.
Dear Sir,
We are the Lawyers for Dr. Shirani A. Bandaranayake.
Publicity has been given in various newspapers regarding allegations against our Client
At present, we bring the following facts regarding her bank accounts and remittances to your attention and through you, to the Public. Our Client has been banking exclusively with the National Development Bank (NBD) since 2010. Our Client has declared all operative accounts that have assets in her declaration of assets and liabilities. The Bank has informed our Client that there are a few non-operative accounts which contain zero balances. There may be non-operative accounts in other banks which our Client operated prior to 30th October 1996, which our Client believes have been closed. Our Client was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court on 30th October 1996. Since then no money whatsoever has been remitted to our Client from abroad or from this country save and except from her immediate family (inclusive of her sister) and her official remuneration. Our Client’s sister and her husband, who are employed as professional engineers in Australia, reserved an apartment (for purchase by them) when they were in Sri Lanka.
Thereafter from time to time, our Client’s sister (through her Australian bank) remitted sums of Australian dollars for the purchase of the Apartment. This was later converted to Sri Lankan Rupees by NDB. In Sri Lankan Rupees it was approximately Rs.27 Million. Our Client, by cheques, directly remitted to the seller in installments a sum of approximately Rs 27 Million. The Bank has confirmed these transactions.
The sum of Rs.34 Million mentioned in your news item is not accurate. The sum of Rs.19 Million approximately mentioned in your news item is a part of the aforementioned purchase consideration of approximately Rs.27 million. There was never a remittance of Rs 34 Million into our Client’s account.
In the circumstances, in summary:
(a) our Client has declared all her operative bank accounts having assets in her declaration of assets and liabilities; and
(b) after her appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court our Client has not received any remittances from anyone in Sri Lanka or abroad save and except the remuneration as a judge and the remittances from her immediate family.
Thus clearly there has been no financial impropriety on her part. Our Client totally denies the other allegations and can easily refute them. Our Client instructs us to state that she will, as always, continue to duly and properly discharges her duties without fear or favour; she will do so, independently, impartially and fearlessly in accordance with the Law.
Read the original text sent to MTV here
Read the original text sent to ‘The Island’ Newspaper here
Read the original text sent to ‘Ceylon Today’ Newspaper here
Pandukabaya de Silva / November 8, 2012
Good and measured response. Bravo Chief Justice
/
Ruki Herath / November 8, 2012
Absolutely, Bravo on the response! Also Bravo in opposing the real reasons for the impeachment – I oppose this based on the REAL reasons for the impeachment. BUT, I cannot say I condone all the supreme court judgments in the recent times (not only during the present CJ’s tenure).
There is an old adage – “If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas”.
/
Wuliangguobinjiu / November 8, 2012
Sometimes the best judgment of all is a failure in judgment;)
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
Pandukabaya de Silva:
Her Lawyer has a Tamil sounding name K. Neelakandan.
Out of all the eminent Sinhala lawyers why would the Chief Justice hire a Tamil Lawyer.
Has she lost faith in Sinhala Lawyers?
Is the Tamil legal firm closely aligned to Tamil Diaspora?
Is she faithfully practicing trilingualism?
Does the firm sell their legal service for a song?
/
Upali Wijewardene / November 8, 2012
Its a law firm my friend and not a lawyer. I am sure the lawyers appearing are all Sinhalse. So what if a Tamil appears? Are they not Sri Lankans
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
Upali Wijewardene says:
“Its a law firm my friend and not a lawyer”
The Colombo Tegraph writes:
“Her Lawyers Neelakandan and Neelakandan wrote to three major media companies re the allegations”.
The letter head has names of five partners and all are Tamil sounding names.
Couldn’t she find firms sounding Sinhala names. For example,
Fonseka and Fonseka
Apuhamy and Apuhamy
Terror Gota and Terror Gota
Champika and Champika
Weerawansa and Weerawansa
Somawansa and Somawansa
Nalin de Silva and Nalin de Silva
Basil and Basil
Shvendra and Shvendra
Jegath and Jegath
Jayatilleke and Jeyatilleke
…………
……..
You asks:
“So what if a Tamil appears?”
They may have connections with the Tamil Diaspora and bend on bringing disgrace to Rajabakse brothers and their supporters, in other words bring disgrace to the country.
You ask:
“Are they not Sri Lankans”
Are they?
/
a voter / November 9, 2012
It doesn’t matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice.
/
Gamarala / November 8, 2012
My Dear Native vedda, Please note that there is a Sinhala saying that “Balala Matiyen unath kamak na meeyo allanavanam”.(Even if a cat is made up of clay. It is good enough as long as it catches mice).
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
Gamarala
It doesn’t matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice.
Deng Xiaoping
/
kvn / November 8, 2012
feel sorry for you and alike!
/
Roy / November 8, 2012
Come on mate does it matter which lawyer she goes to.One day you may go for a surgery and find the wrong surgeon with the knife.
Disgusting I want to puke.
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
Roy says:
“Disgusting I want to puke.”
Please be a man and do it on Gota’s face.
/
chikka / November 8, 2012
Pandukabhaya unduka puchchayen kathakaranna epa.As a Sinhalese ashamed to see this kind of fools living in this country.can some one remove this comments from forum.Cant we take this pandukabhaya to court for racial comments.
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
chikka
Why do you want to take Pandukabaya de Silva to court?
Go back and check his comment. He merely said:
“Good and measured response. Bravo Chief Justice”
Whats the matter with you? Where is his racial comment?
You say:
“As a Sinhalese ashamed to see this kind of fools living in this country”
Only 20 millions of them.
/
Wuliangguobinjiu / November 8, 2012
Ch..a: Onna Mena : Evil requires the sanction of the victim.
/
Pandukabaya de Silva / November 9, 2012
What is this racist comment made. I only said ‘good and measured comment? bravo Chief Justice’?
Are you drunk when reading these blogs??
And from what I see Native Vedda was being nicely satirical in his comments. The problem is that you idiots can’t see that.
/
KC / November 8, 2012
This is disgusting!!! I never thought that idiots like Native Vedda still living in this country. Feel sorry about you mate.
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
KC says:
“This is disgusting!!!”
What is?
You say:
“I never thought that idiots like Native Vedda still living in this country.”
Do you wish my people to disappear altogether from my ancestral island?
If you don’t like us here you are free to leave. When you are ready let me know we can arrange enough Kallathonies to carry you back to your mother country India.
Sorry to disappoint you I am not an idiot only bit thick. I think this clarifies an important issue.
/
Wuliangguobinjiu / November 8, 2012
KC: Words are more treacherous and powerful than we think.
/
mike ratnayake / November 8, 2012
you bring shame to this country!
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
mike ratnayake says:
“you bring shame to this country!”
As if the country deserves any glory.
Tell me one reason as to why the country should not be shamed?
/
Wuliangguobinjiu / November 8, 2012
The one and only reason:We never repent for having eaten too little.
/
Kamal / November 8, 2012
Are you a Native Vedda or Kelavedda like mentality who are in the parliament who ruined our country. I am a Sinhalese and if not for these Kelaveddas in parliament, our country would have made heaven by now. Go back to the jungle where you came from and leave us to govern our country peacefully with other communities.
/
Wuliangguobinjiu / November 8, 2012
Kamal:Koheda Yanne Mahapare:The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live.
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
Kamal says:
“I am a Sinhalese and if not for these Kelaveddas in parliament, our country would have made heaven by now.”
Don’t blame me I didn’t elect them. You elected them so you deserve them. You will elect them again next time if they promise to ethnically cleanse Veddas from the island.
You say:
“Go back to the jungle where you came from and leave us to govern our country peacefully with other communities”
If you don’t like us, please go back to your mother country India so that we can reclaim our ancestral land and live peacefully with minimum needs and no greed.
When you go please take your Tamil brethren with you.
/
Pandukabaya de Silva / November 9, 2012
@Native Vedda, I had assessed you as a sober and balanced commentator. Am I mistaken – are you also a rabid racist or are you (properly so, in this insane world of ours) being satirical over the top?
To answer…this is a firm of proctors, good or bad as any oher firm. The response which is well drafted, is not by them but by aan actual advocate. They only act as a conduit in sending the letter.
/
a voter / November 9, 2012
Couple of points here.
What is wrong in hiring a law firm?
If it is controlled by all Sinhalese, she may have another issue. Some stupid politician will come and say, this lawyer’s sisters sister-in-law’s uncle’s brother-in law’s niece is from this party and then try to link CJ to that party.
Is there any proof to say that Neelakandan & Neelanadan has connection with Diaspora? Even if, what is wrong there?
I quoted something referenced by you. Please apply that to it.
/
G1 / November 9, 2012
“Is there any proof to say that Neelakandan & Neelanadan has connection with Diaspora? Even if, what is wrong there?”
“As long as MR has his fido Modawansa ……you don’t need any proof or facts to brand someone as LTTE RUMP, Tamil diaspora or a traitor.
:-)
/
Dave / November 9, 2012
You really are a “Native Vedda”. You need to evolve from being a Racist!!
/
Native Vedda / November 9, 2012
Dave says:
“You really are a “Native Vedda”. You need to evolve from being a Racist!!”
Good thoughts, thanks for your advice.
However I have a question for you.
Am I the racist who lost my ancestral land to the Kallathoni Tamils and Sinhalese?
Please look back at your history and tell me is it my people who done all the damage to the people, property and environment or the racist stupid Tamils and racist stupid Sinhalese who had done everything to preserve their respective racial purity namely Dravidian Aryan.
/
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran / November 9, 2012
Many commentators are missing the irony in Native Vedda’s words. His words outwardly sound perverse, but have meanings difficult to perceive at first glance. His is a talent rarely seen.
Dr.Rajasingham Narendran
/
Panda / November 9, 2012
Stop having racist thoughts. In this country, any lawyer from any race, is a SRI LANKAN, gone through the same exams, and practicing in the same country. Any Sri Lankan has the right and the choice to get legal help from any lawyer he/she chooses. Stop propagating racist ideas.
Try to address the article. How about that proof the Chief Justice produced showing she was indeed telling the truth, and disproved the trumped up charges?
/
Holmung / November 10, 2012
I feel sorry for you! this mentality is the primary reason for our downfal since SWRD’s sinhala-only crap!
/
Sam Samarasinghe / November 8, 2012
Bravo! Will fight this matter to the end. Long Live Madam CJ!!
/
praki / November 8, 2012
go Sam go if u need any fist power let me know, i have many tourists who are willing to bash a face to get their stress rested.
/
Vishvamithra / November 8, 2012
MR Ranil Co should be ashamed of their deceptive actions. Impotent Ranil supported his Boss, simply because the Supreme Court, being the watchdog of the people, pronounced some decisions that hurt MR that was clearly against the sovereign rights of the people. Good that they brought these frivolous allegations against the CJ hoping that she would step down, permitting MR to appoint one of his stooge to be the CJ. Now their nudity is exposed to the whole world.
/
Kamal / November 8, 2012
Ranil is one of the brains behind CJ to give MR and his goons a home run. It’s better if MR go back to his home town Hambantota and get some fresh sea bath in his new harbor, and not to wait for AUSPECIOUS time to get a SHIT BATH in Colombo.
/
Saman De Silva / November 8, 2012
It takes a woman to stand up to these bandicoots.
/
Ruki Herath / November 8, 2012
Saman, those of us who are married knows this already – so true!!!
/
Patta Pal / November 8, 2012
Well Said, and I agree. These shameless men are so subservient it is embarrasing.
/
Progressive 21st Century Woman / November 9, 2012
Dear Native Veddah
You live up to your name so well. I cant believe that in 21st Century Sri Lanka (a country that was divided a long ethnic lines for 30 years reversing any development gains we have made in the years prior to that) there are narrow, parochial citizens such as yourself. You are the reason why this country cannot achieve equality for all her citizens. Wake up to the ethos of countries that are surviving and in fact winning in this pluralistic world. Look at Singapore or the USA. They are all multi ethnic communities.
But then how can you … you are only a native Veddha.
/
Native Vedda / November 9, 2012
Progressive 21st Century Woman
says conclusively:
“You are the reason why this country cannot achieve equality for all her citizens.”
I am not
Arumuga Navalar,
Anagarika Dharmapala,
D S Senanayake, S
Ponna
SWRD Banda,
Mrs Srima,
JR,
VP
Weerawansa
Somawansa
Terror Gota
Rajabakse
…… etc
You have mistook me for them.
/
Progressive 21st Century Woman / November 11, 2012
And you can never be. Dont even compare yourself with some of the visionaries in your list if you have thinking on the lines you have espoused in this forum.
/
Native Vedda / November 11, 2012
Progressive 21st Century Woman:
“Dont even compare yourself with some of the visionaries “
Never in my wildest dreams for I am not a self destructive reactionary like your visionaries.
I am sorry to insult your visionaries as they deserve it.
/
Justice / November 8, 2012
The CJ has upheld the traditions of public service and the judiciary.
How many of her “judges” – politicians – have declared their assets accurately as required by law?
In real democracies,candidates for high public and judicial office,declare their assets and details of their tax liabilities, publicly,and these are published in the free press in those countries.
/
Chandra / November 8, 2012
We should all rally round this lady. She is a respected academic and a fearless judge.And mind you, among those who are levelling charges against her, there are grade 9 Ministers, bogus Phds, nincompoop PHds(guess who?)rogues of all colour and stooges of the king
/
Jim Hardy / November 8, 2012
Mahinda Rajapaksa never declared his assets when contesting the presidential elections which is optional. unlike SF who declared like a gentlemen.
/
Upali Wijewardene / November 8, 2012
and helpe hambantota
/
shankar / November 8, 2012
Shame for Mahinda. Bringing false charges against her.The difference between Kurunegala and Hambantota for all to see.
/
sandun A / November 8, 2012
Come on Madam. Don’t give up.
/
Pon Kulendiren / November 8, 2012
If CJ’s explanation is proved and if she is not guilty what action will the governmnet will take aginst those who made false allegations. They should be dismissed.
/
Anti-Boru / November 8, 2012
Pon Kulendiran:
I don’t think the President can dismiss himself.
/
Mala / November 8, 2012
CJ can file case in court and expose MR to the public.
/
Piranha / November 8, 2012
Rajapaksa probably thought the Chief Justice would be an easy push-over but it looks like she is a determined and courageous lady. She is educated, unlike Rajapaksa the bully,and has everything to gain by standing upto him.
Rajapaksa is going to end up with more than rotten egg on his face at the end, which will be well deserved. The consequences of Rajapaksa winning this have unimaginable adverse consequences for the country and I hope all the people will come together and thwart the bully’s attempts to usurp supreme control over the country’s institutions that guarantee their rights and freedom.
/
Kalana / November 8, 2012
Please someone translate this letter to sinhala… to read idiot Rajapaksha brothers
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
Kalana says:
“Please someone translate this letter to sinhala… to read idiot Rajapaksha brothers”
If the idiotic Rajabakshes clan are able to rule 20 million people in the island please have a guess at how much stupid the people are.
The people deserves clan leadership.
/
Mala / November 8, 2012
Native,
Do you mean CLEAN leadership? (and not CLAN) leadership.
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
Mala asks:
“Do you mean CLEAN leadership? (and not CLAN) leadership.”
I said clearly “The people deserves CLAN leadership not clean leadership.
The people elect their leaders.
They deserve the leaders.
/
Athawuda Gunaratne / November 8, 2012
I thought that judges are like rat snakes;( very innocent and giving judgements on others only); but to see that they are worse than Julanpitiye Amare or Choppe when they fight their own battle whether they are men or women who do not give into injustice.Very fierce.
We are proud of you madam. We will be with you until your last breadth,with my whole family.
We are eagerly waiting to see whether you are going to qualify for the vacancy in the UN to replace Navaneethan Pillai to hear our own problem against Mahinda Rajapaksa in Geneva next year.
Do not worry, the whole country will be with you in case they take revenge from you politically for referring the ‘Divineguma bill’ to the Provincial councils.
/
Kelavi Moulana / November 8, 2012
What happened now? Why did the love affair turn sour?
/
shankar / November 8, 2012
The beauty vs the beast.
The beauty in the red corner and the beast in the blue corner.
Round 1-The beast circles the beauty and a quick left jab to the face and circles around and then a one two left jab and right uppercut which failed to connect.
Round 1 to the beast.
Round 2-beauty comes out with a right jab, hits beast flush on the nose.Beast blinks and tries to grab and hold on to her as 3 more punches land on him.Referee warns beast for holding on to beauty’s waist and even trying to squeeze her bum.
Round 2 to beauty.
round 3 to begin.
/
West is the best / November 9, 2012
the BEAUTY vs the BEST.
/
Garry White / November 9, 2012
Yes the Beauty gives a slam dunk to the Best from Hambantota Satakaya never to raise his too big valla under her feet. Let him lick her feet now……FOR EVER.
/
Safa / November 8, 2012
Fitting reply to these publicly appointed and paid scandal mongers at Diyawana.
/
Vernon Vidanaarachchi / November 8, 2012
There will be no smoke without fire no fire without smoke. Let’s keep our fingers crossed until such time the revealations come. Why all these’Dadi-bidi’? Sentiments or anger will not take no-body anywhere,isn’t it?
/
Venura / November 8, 2012
Bravo..let the woman teach the lesson to Satakayas what men couldn’t. What do fake Satakaya lawyer know about Law. That’s why they loose where ever they go including UN shitting where ever they go.
/
gamini / November 8, 2012
If the levelled charges fail, can the CJ file for costs and claim danages for defamation? Like how Kabir Hashim was made to pay by that SOB Sarath Silva?
/
SMKV - Navala / November 8, 2012
MPs, ministers and other high officials are required to declare their assets. Have the Rajapaksas done it? What about the Helping Hambantota millions? The previous and devious CJ Sarath Silva let MR off the hook. Recently, there were media reports about Swiss bank accounts owned by Sri Lankans. Will the government investigate and tell the public who the owners are, and uphold the rule of law by bringing them to justice? The government talks about “the law of the land” and “nobody is above the law”, but practice it only when they want to get those who challenge them, and that on frivolous charges.
/
Upali Wijewardene / November 8, 2012
who else
/
Jayatilleke / November 8, 2012
Let our CJ be blessed with a lot of courage to fight the injustice done by those accusing her. They who accused are the real culprits building castles stacking up money outside the country and into a lot of other vices. Please do not give up we are with you. Win the case and bring the culprits to trial.
/
Gamarala / November 8, 2012
Government Vs CJ (AN EXCEPTIONAL lady with a Strong back bone). We expect more and more fire works in weeks to come.All the best madam , we are with you.
/
nisha / November 8, 2012
Check all account of MPs, their relatives and Sri Lankan custom offices in Sri Lanka and outside of Sri Lanka.
/
Sam Dissanayake / November 8, 2012
I would like to reply to Pandukabaya de Silva. I worked with Tamils and Sinhalese for more than 30 years. There are more gentlemen among Tamils than Sinhalese. So please do not try to label all Tamils as LTTE. CJ should be brave enough to find correct people among all the Opportunist lawyers.
/
Native Vedda / November 8, 2012
Sam Dissanayake says:
“I would like to reply to Pandukabaya de Silva.”
Where did Pandukabaya de Silva label Tamils as LTTE?
/
Wuliangguobinjiu / November 8, 2012
I wish I knew! Je ne pas;)
/
Pandukabaya de Silva / November 9, 2012
Are you mad? Again I say what is this racist comment I made. I only said ‘good and measured comment? bravo Chief Justice’? See my initial post.
Are you drunk when reading these blogs??
/
KUMAR PERERA / November 8, 2012
When Presidental Ilections was held Rajapakse never showed his Assets and his brothers and son never decclaired single cent or bank accounts.Why Sherani.What about MervinSilva?Bullshit.Hitler is better than MARA:
/
SALIYA BANDARA WICKREMESURIYA / November 8, 2012
Your Lordship Chief Justice, we are with you. You are the life force of justice in Sri Lanka.
/
Punchinilame / November 8, 2012
The public interest part of the impeachment appeared to be the Millions
quoted in the Statements however the response was a Bulls eye:. It is
timely to read this piece of investigative reporting, to judge the
accuser:-
http://www.lankstandard.com/vault/helping-hambantota-investigation/
Will S.N. Silva confirm if this matter can be reviwed by the S/C?
Personal safety is of paramount importance and reminds one of a certain
Minister inquring whether road accidents dont take place in Australia?
(Most readers know what I mean)
/
Kamal / November 8, 2012
The Web page is blocked….or cannot open…Any suggestions.
/
COLOMBO_TELEGRAPH (Author) / November 8, 2012
Where? Use this one. http://www.ninjaproxy.ca/
/
Kamal / November 9, 2012
Sorry I tried. Doesn’t work. Anyway thank you.
/
Banda / November 8, 2012
If she is so prim and proper why hang on to her position and waste time of the tax payers. She cannot play with millions when she is the CJ even on behalf of her sister or who ever it is. Allegations are real which have to be proven. However, after such allegations are levelled against her can she function in her capacity as a judge in good faith? Also now only understand that she never has practiced law. She has ascended to this higher office due to her name associated with Bandaranike. She should take leave of abscence until her case is determined. We will see what comes of these allegations.
/
Pandukabaya de Silva / November 9, 2012
Where does it say in the Constitution that she cannot sit while an impeachment motion is being heard against her? Quote me the provision pls.
Know your law. Use your head.
/
Ayesha Arambepola / November 8, 2012
Those who insult will surely get disgraced by their own country men and internationally. They are looking up and spitting. They are revengeful and bend to destroy anyone who cross their path if they consider it a wrong way.
By this impeachment motion they are trying to humiliate a lady of good repute, in fact they are humiliating the entire Sri Lankan women. As a Nation we felt proud when she was appointed as the first Lady CJ, within a period of short time they disappointed all women folks of Sri Lanka by trying to impeach her purely for political reason. Where is the party of monks, their deadly silence is disgrace. Are they upholding the dignity of women.
/
ranbanda / November 8, 2012
She is no angel either.Her husband as president of NDB bought shares of bankrupted “The finanace companie”‘s shares for an exaggerated amont of money and lost billions of rupees.Was it his incapability or corruption?Well the tme will resolve that.It was Ranil who wanted her and then abondoned her.Premadasa as president twice done this thing to CJs.
/
Wuliangguobinjiu / November 8, 2012
Taste can not be controlled by Law.
/
West is the best / November 9, 2012
NDB or NSB ?
/
Timba / November 8, 2012
If the ruling rascals wish to harm the CJ, they’ll even accuse her of wearing knickers with gold threads. All fools.
/