Senior minister of the Yahapalanaya Government, Duminda Dissanayake has admitted that he is wasting a colossal sum of public money on a luxury building in Rajagiriya, for which he has signed an agreement to pay Rs. 21 million a month, even though he is yet to occupy it despite it being nearly a year since signing the lease agreement.
Duminda Dissanayake
Dissanayake, who is the Minister of Agriculture and the secretary general of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has however in an attempt to justify the waste, has blamed ‘delays’ in carrying our repair work for the building, which according to him was the reason why the building has still not been occupied by his ministry.
He had said that there has been a delay in carrying out a proper tender procedure for necessary repair work for the building, and thus there has been a delay in occupying the building.
Dissanayake had further claimed that even though his ministry wanted to immediately occupy the building, as the respective officials were not geared for a speedy occupancy, there was some delays. He had instead expressed hope of calling for tenders within the next three months, which will permit him and his ministry to occupy the new luxury building once the repair work is carried out.
However sources pointed out that the building was new and therefore it was unlikely that such a building required any serious repairs as claimed by Dissanayake, who is also a very close confidant of President Maithripala Sirisena.
In August the Colombo Telegraph reported how Dissanayake had signed an agreement for the building for a period of five years at a cost of Rs. 1 billion as lease of the building. According to sources, there was no proper tender procedure to select the building, and the Rajagiriya building is owned by Upali Jayasinghe, the husband of a popular actress.
Adrian / March 8, 2017
This is tragicomedy. Do we have a President and PM?
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Thiruvathavoorar Lakshminarayan / March 8, 2017
Adrian, Yes we have. That is why it is happening.
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Kalupahana / March 9, 2017
Dumninda Silva, Duminda Dissanaiayake – Corrupt side kicks of corrupt presidents of the SLFP!
This case should be forwarded to the Bribery Commission and the assets of Upali Jayasinghe investigated by FCID.
The building should be ceased and the lawers who drafted the so called lease agreement should also be investigated.
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Leelawathie / March 8, 2017
Regardless of his status, if the failure occured through his mediation, he has to pay the sums to the state.
Basta.
Then only, we can see that the justice is served to anyone who made mistakes. Those politicians that would fail to pay off them, should be subjectected to confiscation of their assets.
We need enforcements of rigarous law and order. Not politicians, but rigorous law and order governs the developed world.
Eg. Singapore, Germany, Switzerland, Uk and everywhere law is in action above everything… the people become like the water drop fallen on to lotus surface. ::::: that is what we need in this country.
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Nimal / March 9, 2017
Hear hear.
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Amarasiri / March 9, 2017
Adrian
“Do we have a President and PM?”
Yes, but they both are Paras. The average IQ of the Paras is 79.
In addition, they consult with Wimal Modawansa,of 2/2=0, fame.
National IQ Scores – Country Rankings
The intelligence scores came from work carried out earlier this decade by Richard Lynn, a British psychologist, and Tatu Vanhanen, a Finnish political scientist, who analysed IQ studies from 113 countries, and from subsequent work by Jelte Wicherts, a Dutch psychologist.
Singapore, IQ , 108
Sri lanka IQ 79.
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anonymous / March 8, 2017
Is that it then Mr. D.D ? Make him pay it back. It is the poor tax payers money. These guys should be kicked out ASAP if the country want to recover. The Ministers and MPs should be given Mahendra jeeps for their use, not 5 billion Rs. worth of luxuery vehicles.
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Thiruvathavoorar Lakshminarayan / March 8, 2017
The next President should be a Duarte who would eliminate all these pieces of s..t.
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srinath gunaratne / March 8, 2017
we have only gods to ask these scumbags to be punished!
People pray when you go to a Mosque, Church, Temple to get rid of them!
This small country, Why on earth a farmer needs to come to colombo?
meet this dumb ass!
You ruined it now, I hope you can’t sleep and you dream about it
And when you dream I hope you can’t sleep and you SCREAM about it
I hope your conscience EATS AT YOU and you can’t BREATHE without me
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Native Vedda / March 8, 2017
srinathan gunaratnam
“we have only gods to ask these scumbags to be punished!”
I wonder whether gods have sufficient time to deal with all those scumbags. Way too many of them have had good time over past 68 years.
” This small country, Why on earth a farmer needs to come to colombo?”
Do you know a farmer has to obtain permission from Colombo even to go to toilet?
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Desperate Sinhalaya / March 9, 2017
It is just you ilk protected the idiots, the consequences we face today.
So long the idiots of your kind lick the balls of Rajapakshe and their former and current goons, we will not succeed doing anything for the betterment of the common man.
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kumudu / March 8, 2017
So, isn’t this is somewhat similar to the CB Bond scam though smaller in scale . Isn’t it a heinous crime to pay Rs. 21 million a month for a building which is not occupied?
Doesn’t it look like a form of money laundering? In this case payment with government funds perhaps in return for money or services rendered to help this government to come to power?
How come the JO has not identified this under their so-called top 10? And why is the JVP and so-called civil society groups who are supposed to be fighting corruption are not taking this up?
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Atticus / March 8, 2017
When something like this occurs none of our politicians accept the blame. What is needed is a guy called Fawkes.
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Backlash / March 9, 2017
Atticus,
Many in Parliament, Govt and even the country will not understand what you are trying to say.
That is the level of education now.
I agree with you but with the proviso not burn Parliament, which is a national asset. But put to
fire most of the rogues therein who pretend they are leaders out to save the country a la Guy Falkes.
It is perhaps the right time for our media to educate the people on what earned Falkes a place
in history.
Backlash.
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punchinilame / March 8, 2017
It can now be interpreted as the UNP was financed by Jayasinghe Transport & Tours, who own the building,
getting paid off from Govt. Funds in an “agreed” manner. This beng a failed Agreement, as not one
approved by those who should do so, the Line Minister could face charges similar to Weerasena? Food
for thought. Rs. 402 Million was sought in Parliament, to furnish this building.
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Dushan / March 8, 2017
This is outrageous. These politicians are so selfish, and because it is not their own money, they waste it like they are throwing garbage. This money could have been used to help the people in this country. Sri Lankan politicians are never careful, do not budget, and the word sacrifice never enters their head. They want to spend, are extravagant with the country’s money, and look after themselves before the people
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Sumane / March 8, 2017
A failed state with a failed Prime Minister. The way these guys promised the people before 8 Jan ? Good Lord we all were taken on a mighty ride decorated with all fancy stories. How they will punish the scavengers who stole and slept with one hand in the state coffers. These vultures are all the same and no longer we could call Ranil a clean man he protected and supported CB Bond thieves. He put his old class mates to go and vandalise state institutions. You are history Mr. Prime Minister, it’s over people are cursing you lot day and night. Take all your speeches, you may not remember the promises you have made with numbers, Education support offices in all districts,discipline out let’s in every city,Wi-Fi in main common areas,50 flights a day to Mattale airport ? From where did you get these numbers, it is all documented in your own website ,2000 factories in Matara and Galle. All you do is like a widow crying about the loans your dead man has taken. You and your team have failed. Next election will be the last for our UNP.
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Daham / March 9, 2017
“A failed state with a failed Prime Minister”
Why not add a failed president too?.
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jim softy / March 8, 2017
I think this declaration of wasting Rs 21 million may be to cover some other big wastage.
Recently govt approved some billions for importing cars to politicians. Probably, they will sell every car and use that to do the election. But, CT does not publish that kind of articles.
Hora palanaya is still not establishing one central place handling purchaseses by the govt and instead leave it to individual ministers and higher officials who earn humongous discounts for they themselves. both PResident and PM< are doing those things because they want to protect themselves at the expense of the country.
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AJ / March 8, 2017
how come its mostly Sinhalese are accused of fraud?
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sama / March 9, 2017
They seem to have it in their genes…. that is the saddest reality. They abuse everything and they also cover the abusive men too. That is appalling really.. I am ashamed of my folk
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AJ / March 9, 2017
i am also ashamed to be a Sinhala, but Jim has selective perception.
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punchinilame / March 9, 2017
simply because they are the majority in Sri Lanka ! or is it a DNA?
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Plato. / March 8, 2017
The LTTE was a menace in the country. Terrorism! People died on all sides.
Corruption is nice,no one dies only some people with political clout make a LITTLE money.
Quo Vadis?
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Nimal / March 9, 2017
Yes people die of pressure of finding money to pay taxes, so corruption is bad.
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justice / March 8, 2017
From August 2016 the Ministry of Agriculture has been occupying the building it is in at present, and functioning too.
So, why did Dissanayake want to move to this proposed location even without furniture etc.at exorbitant rent/lease?
There has been a powerful “incentive” without doubt.
This matter needs attention of the Auditor General and a judicial probe.
This is allowed to happen when thousands live one or two meals a day, thousands are unemployed and thousands with no places to live.
Such ministers are relieved of their portfolios in other countries.
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K A Sumanasekera / March 8, 2017
Rajagiriya..That is it..
It is where the fat boy cricketer and another senior Minister of Yahapalanya wants to build those apartments for his World Cup winning team mates.
Each apartment is valued at USD 800.000 . And it is free for each team mate. Plus extra 200,000 Santhosam.
That is not a problem if the Santhosams are also borne by the Developers.
But the problem is the Fat Boy wants the 2.5 Acre from the Mahavamsa Lanfd bank free as Santhosams for winning the World Cup.
Senior Minister Dumiya deal is outright daylight robbery of Tax Payers money..
Our Dalits don’t pay Tax . so it is not a major issue for the great majority.
Except they now have to pay extra LKR 10 for a Kilo of rice under Yahapalanaya .
Yahapalana President , his right hand man and the brother are all seem to be doing well..
Good Luck to Jayasinghe,
He is lot smarter than Dr Batalanda Ranil’s mate in a sense , although Jyasinghe collects his LKR ! Billion over five years.
Because there are no threats from the Yahapalana AG going after him with threats , to ask the money back even as a joke.
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Douglas / March 9, 2017
Everyone talks of “recovering” and “blaming” the “Hon Minister”? Hi, folks there is a “PROCEDURE” to be followed, viz (1) As this Minister is from SLFP, the President has to appoint a “Committee” from among the “Lawyers” from the Darly Road Headquarters as done in the case of CB Bond Scam. (2) After that it will be taken up by COPE and the “Final Report” will be presented to the Parliament with “Foot Notes” from the SLFP members. (3) Immediately, overlooking the “Speaker”, in this instance the President will forward the COPE report to Attorney General.(4) Next the Speaker will give a date and time to Debate” the report. (5) Next the Prime Minister will appoint a “Prime Ministerial Commission”; if there is no provision to appoint such a “Commission” legislation will have to be passed in Parliament and that Commission Report dead line will be sometime after August 2020. Please be patient and be happy the way “Democracy”? works in Sri Lanka.
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jehan / March 9, 2017
kick backs. in seashells.
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Daham / March 9, 2017
Duminda Dissanayake’s father, Berty Premalal , was a rogue and as such, son should also be a rogue.
Like father like son!!! . Duminda and Rajitha are the two leading rogues who followed Mathripala Sirisena the opportunist.
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Daham / March 9, 2017
Duminda Dissanayake’s father, Berty Premalal , was a rogue and as such, son should also be a rogue.
Like father like son!!! . Duminda and Rajitha are the two leading rogues who followed Mathripala Sirisena the opportunist. So what else can we expect from them.
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virgo fernando / March 9, 2017
This is disgraceful. If there were repairs this should have been required to be done by the owner before the contract was signed. Another good one for investigation by the Anti Corruption Authority. It is a colossal amount that is being paid as rent and this too should be looked into. This is a blatant and flagrant act of dereliction and inefficiency and corruption and this guy should not be let off the hook. Come on yahalapanaya, what the f…. are you up to allowing things like this to happen. So glad that CT is doing a good job though I would like to see CT giving much less prominence to articles by MR and team of bootlickers who should not be allowed space in your website as they no longer represent the citizens of this country. CT please get positive and do not contribute to giving publicity to obsolete and recycled toilet paper sandows like GLP, DJ and the ilk..
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Diogenes / March 9, 2017
A despicable parasite and shameless plunderer ardently following the path of his father the old Bahirawayaa who kicked the bucket and went to hell!
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Non PhD / March 9, 2017
He is a real Buddhist. Spoke the truth.
He saved mother Lanka from President for life and dynasty, by leaving MR regime. His admission outweighs
Rs 21 million mistake. For the 21 million a solution can be found as per the law.
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Common Sense / March 9, 2017
At least Dumi was naïve to say that the delay was due to repairs. I spoke to people knowledgeable in the subject. Dumi was not the only Minister who vied for the building. Many of them, however, the bureaucracy within them was strong enough (The ministers were UNP and the Secretaries of the Ministries had the Presidential pull) to resist the move.
The fact remains is that there can’t be so called repairs in the building, it is brand new and a damned good one. Only thing is there could be some customizations which the Minister and his lackeys want and those definitely can take a good amount of time and good money too! That is represented as “Repairs”. Isn’t it?
I wonder whether the Auditor General can make a good Audit out of it in the same way he did the Central Bank Bond Scam. Only thing is in this instance you may not find the whistle blower to give the lead. The reality of the matter is that if there are real repairs then the owner of the building has to do it at his expense and the operation of the lease should commence after the repairs and the occupation of the building. If there are customizations then of course Dumi’s boys will have to take over the building pay from that date of take over and then customize prior to occupation. Public servants are not that ignorant as to what should be done but still they are subject to political pressure.
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Sunil Dahanayake / March 9, 2017
These are the kind of people that the “Yahapalanaya” leaders have appointed as Ministers. For what? Their only qualification is loyalty to the SLFP or UNP. This is Sri Lanka. This is the way that that Sri Lanka is making friends with big powerful countries like USA, Germany and UK as stated by the President.
Every day, we talk or write about these things. I am extremely sad about what is going on in Sri Lanka. In our lifetime, we will not be able to see a democratic, developed Sri Lanka.
I came to understand that the Minister for Agriculture has not even passed the GCE (O/L) examination. Agriculture is one of the most important ministries in the country. What Sri Lanka need is a highly intelligent man to be the Minister for Agriculture who can develop a viable agricultural policy for Sri Lanka for the next ten years.
Not only agriculture, evaluate the performance of other vital sectors, Finance, Defense, Health, Education, Law and Order. Yahapalanaya government has ruined the country within 2-year period. Their only objective is to make quick bucks out of selling the government resources.
God save mother Sri Lanka. Our only savior is god “Katharagama” and I plan to go there and dash a few coconuts in front of devale to end this “Yahapalanaya” very soon.
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EDWIN RODRIGO / March 9, 2017
Sunil, this behavior of our rulers can be understood if one accepts the truth:
SRI LANKA IS AN EXCEPTIONAL COUNTRY.
Exceptions affect every aspect of our lives, the simply supported edsins and Sunils.
Not only is our country an exception but an exception to exceptions.
This thief will not be investigated, leave alone prosecuted, because he is an exception (a member of the ruling party), but because he is an exception to such exceptions. Why? Because he admitted it – a rare thing for robber politicians.
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Native Vedda / March 9, 2017
Sunil Dahanayake
“In our lifetime, we will not be able to see a democratic, developed Sri Lanka.”
Why?
Is it because you suffer from
Majoritarian mindset
Mahawamsa mindset
Minority complex
Selective short term amnesia
Little islander attitude
Mass paranoia
Foolhardiness and belongs to a bunch of racists
…..
….
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Lingam / March 9, 2017
Is this man actually paying this 21 million to the land lord or pocketing this money after sub letting this building.
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Lingam / March 9, 2017
The Auditor General does not look into this fraud?
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Navaneetham Pillaiar / March 9, 2017
LINGAM.
The Auditor General is a JVP SLFP Puppet in other words Rookadaya!!
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Annesley Dias / March 9, 2017
The SLFP Morons and JO together with the Jarapaksa media coolies eg; seerasa, hiroo, and theyrana shout only about Bond scam regretfully forgetting other frauds and high profile murders of lasantha, Ekneligoda and Thajudeen etc etc!!!
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janaka / March 9, 2017
The five year rental more than out right purchase of the building?
Can his relative be owner?
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Douglas / March 9, 2017
Lingam: Your question: “Is this man actually paying 21 million to the land lord or pocketing this money after sub letting this building”. Answer: Yes and No. That 21 million is a “Deposit” with the land lord to be spent on the next election. The plan is to “distribute” FREE ,Denims” to farmers to replace the “Amude”. There is no sub letting. It is a SUBVENTION to the “Land Lord”.
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Pachaya / March 9, 2017
DD is now having a affair with chaturika you know who she is.
Don’t worry, nothing will happen
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K.Pillai / March 9, 2017
A month’s rent sufficient to run RTI Commission for an year!
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Punchi Puta / March 9, 2017
How can we get this money back? Or, Duminda should be behind bars for this crime?
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