A delegation led by Secretary to the Ministry of Justice W.M.M.R. Adhikari has been tasked to discuss with Singaporean counterparts the details of a Mutual Legal Assistance Programme to enable the two countries to gather and exchange information with the objective of enforcing public or criminal laws, Colombo Telegraph learns.
Arjuna Mahendran
Such an agreement would be a prerequisite to have the former Governor of the Central Bank Arjuna Mahendran, a Singaporean citizen, extradited so he could be questioned over his role in the Central Bank bond scam.
Mahendran is reported to have taken refuge in his country of citizenship because as of now that country does not have agreements of cooperation in such instances. Mahendran’s is the only case on which such a programme would have an impact.
Adhikari’s delegation includes Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) Senior Superintendent K.D. Priyantha, and Attorney General’s Department official Tusith Mudalige who liaises with the FCID, the Sunday Times reports.
In April, Arjuna Mahendran who is evading arrest in Sri Lanka over his role in the controversial multi billion rupee Bond Scam, has been spotted in the busy area called ‘Little India’ in Singapore.
Ajay / July 17, 2018
See how Singapore is different from Sri Lanka. Our Ministry of Justice can go there and try to apprehend someone. But it is not capable of going anywhere near Medamulana.
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Eagle Eye / July 17, 2018
“Our Ministry of Justice can go there and try to apprehend someone.”
Is the Ministry of Justice really serious about apprehending Arjun Mahendran? Spin Doctor is coming out with stories to divert attention from other issues. 118 checks, Vijayakala etc. etc.
Who prevented you from going near Medamulana?
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Ben Hurling / July 18, 2018
OH, WHAT A FARCE? Exactly, Whom are you kidding? First, RW & his cronies let Mahendran depart SL via VIP lounge at KIA Colombo. Now making noises about extradition from Singapore. STUPID CITIZENS OF SL, UNP & SLFP BIGWIGS HAVE NO RESPECT FOR YOU OR YOUR INTELLIGENCE. You are being treated like bloody idiots, which you are actually. YOU HAVE PROVEN YOUR STUPIDITY OVER 70 YEARS, SINCE 1948. Now repeat that in 2020. The sky is the limit. You have a very bright future!
Cheers!
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Native Vedda / July 18, 2018
Ben Hurling
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We know you are slightly p****d off.
What is the alternative?
Gotabhaya perhaps.
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S.Modaya / July 19, 2018
More like Govt. negotiating with Singapore to ensure Mahendran is NOT and never will be caught or xtradited to Lanka – Miracle of Modayas – like Udayanga from Dubai!
Bondscam Ranil is scratching Mahendra’s and Mahinda Jarapassas’ back.
Both Singapore and Dubai are hubs of black money laundering. That is what Colombo port city is for after all the environmental degradation and stink in Beria Laka!
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Douglas / July 17, 2018
What is the need for this “Negotiation” and a “Delegation” when the ex President Mahinda Rajapakse has CHALLENGED and OFFERED to bring Udayanga Weeratunga to Sri Lanka, IF the Prime Minister brings Arjuna Mahendran to face investigations relating to the “Bond Scam”.Our PM who ASSURED the Parliament that Arjuna Mahendran is a “TRUSTED” associate and he (PM) has only to give a “Telephone Call” and ask him (Arjuna) to come to Sri Lanka in that same manner this job at the Central Bank was offered. Isn’t that a SIMPLE and COST EFFECTIVE step to be taken by both the ex President and the present PM?
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / July 17, 2018
This is just a hoodwinking exercise. Extradition is a legal process and cannot be done by a Sri Lanka delegation having talks with Singaporean counterparts. In Singapore there is rule of law, and extradition process has to be done according to laid down procedures and could be challenged in courts. Sri Lanka can come to any agreement, but in law abiding countries like Singapore, they are only for the future and it cannot be applied retrospectively. I am surprised why that joker Rusiripala Tennekoon was not included in the party as he claims that Singapore prime minister is his machan.
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Native Vedda / July 17, 2018
Douglas Man
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If government is negotiating with Singapore to obtain Arjuna Mahendran’s extradition, why is the same government finding it absolutely difficult to demand extradition of other renegades, including absconded army officers, Ambassadors, …… businessmen, and repatriation of stolen wealth?
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Given the circumstances do you really need an ineffective government or a government at all?
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Rohan / July 17, 2018
Because Mahendran in s Tamil and the rest are Sinhalese . A Tamil is always accountable . Vijayakala stated the truth and there is a hue and a cry and she is persecuted but Buddhist monks calling for Sinhalese Hitlers and Sinhalese politicians and others, inciting violence against the Tamils and the Muslims are considered heroes and nothing is done, as they are Sinhalese . Anyway most Sinhalese do agree with what they state. This is why they constantly elect these racists , liars opportunists and rogues . They try their best to extradite Mahendran, as he is a Tamil and this will also please the Sinhalese electorate, as a Tamil is being taught a lesson and his place, just like Vijayakala., however they will not do anything to Sinhalese like the Rajapakses , Cabraal or others who swindled the country billions , as they are one of us and as Sinhalese we can get away with anything , swindling , murder , rape, looting, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, genocide , especially if the victims are Tamils or Muslims.
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Burt / July 17, 2018
Who wants to volunteer to face a kangaroo court?
” Mahinda Rajapakse has CHALLENGED and OFFERED to bring Udayanga Weeratunga to Sri Lanka”
There is a saying in Sinhala: “Planting sweet potatoes with the mouth” Put what Mahinda says in that category.
“Bond Scam”
Can you elaborate on WHAT the scam was?
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Estate Labourer / July 17, 2018
Let us take action on the vast numbers of crooks and murderers roaming around freely in our own territory before trying to extradite foreign nationals here from their own countries. Just as charity begins at home, justice must also begin at home.
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Rajiv Tennekoon / July 17, 2018
All this is for public consumption. The gullible will believe that the government is actually trying to get Mahendran down. This is perhaps a short vacation for the 2 guys going there on the tax payer money.
As I have always said, nothing will come out of it. Afterall, the puppet master of all this is the mastermind himself, Dr. RW.
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Leonard / July 18, 2018
I acutely think now puppet master has become the puppet and Arajuna M. is Puppeteer that RW. beholding too.
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Jim softy / July 17, 2018
Arjun Mahendran was PM appointed man and they let him go back to singapore. Now getting ready for the elelction. SO, it si election drama. How many will have orgasm on this saying Ranil is the best PM and cheers to UNP.
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Douglas / July 17, 2018
Estate Labourer: Good point. Let us FIST put the “Key People” who initiated these “CRIMES” behind bars. Then just imagine where the ex President and our present Prime Minister would be. That is a “GRAND SCHEME” you suggested and I am with you on that proposition. Unfortunately that is not how the majority think. You said: “Justice must begin at home”. Yes, that Justice has begun, but where it is heading? What do you “GUESS”? The “Protracted” system inherent in that system will never bring the culprits to intended justice. That “Charity” you mentioned is also thriving in abundance at home. If not all these cases pending would be dispensed by now – the THREE LONG YEARS of WAITING.
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Burt / July 17, 2018
“Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) survey reported Hong Kong and Singapore have the best judicial systems in Asia, with Indonesia and Vietnam the worst: Hong Kong’s judicial system scored 1.45 on the scale (zero representing the best performance and 10 the worst); Singapore with a grade of 1.92, followed by Japan (3.50), South Korea (4.62), Taiwan (4.93), the Philippines (6.10), Malaysia (6.47), India (6.50), Thailand (7.00), China (7.25), Vietnam (8.10) and Indonesia (8.26).[13][14] In 2010, the Rule of Law Index by the World Justice Project ranked Singapore number one for access to civil justice in the high-income countries group.”
For those that are looking for Sri Lanka they are not even on the same ball park.
Sri Lanka does not have enough to file a case in Sri Lanka under kangaroo standards but keep dreaming of extradition. Even if the govt agrees it will be challenged in courts.
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Steve / July 17, 2018
The FCID and AG need to get their act together. To be fair AM did arrive in Sri Lanka previously and give evidence. Why do they need him again. Is it to arrest him ? Appears this is a ploy just to drag the case on until after the next Presidential elections.
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RADHA SUNDARAMPILLAI / July 17, 2018
First get Cabral and Rajapakse clan and then think of others.
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Pandi Kutti / July 17, 2018
They will never , as they are Sinhalese , so entitle to loot commit murder and war crimes. Mahendran is a Tamil . How dare he. do something that is the sole preserve of the Sinhalese.
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Taraki / July 17, 2018
Were you saying that when a Sinhalese (RW) appointed him Governor of the Central Bank, over the heads of other Sinhalese? You people want it all. That is why you end up with nothing.
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Burt / July 17, 2018
He had no choice. Cabral ruined it for all Sinhalese and the Rajapaksa govt was so crooked and had hooks in all corners that he thought going outside the country would sole the problem.
Now you know why even after Mahendran, RW hat to go for Coomarswamy and not a Banda. :)
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Native Vedda / July 19, 2018
Taraki
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” That is why you end up with nothing.”
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I am not sure what you meant by your above typing.
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Read this quote:
“There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.” – Mark Twain
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This is the right time for you to reflect on why the first group is less and less crowded in this island.
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shankar / July 17, 2018
They have to only put the singapore FTA on hold till mahendran comes.Two birds with one stone.Our professionals will will be happy and pressure will build on mahendran in singapore to go voluntarily.
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Burt / July 18, 2018
shankar:
Who do you think is going to hurt more?
“In 2017, Sri Lanka’s bilateral trade with Singapore was valued at $2.7 billion, accounting for approximately 2.5% of GDP, while Singapore’s trade with Sri Lanka was 0.5% of Singapore’s GDP. Singapore is Sri Lanka’s eighth largest trading partner, while Sri Lanka is Singapore’s 37th largest trading partner. It is anticipated that this agreement will increase the volume and value of Sri Lanka’s exports through new production possibilities, and access to new markets.”
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Good Sense / July 17, 2018
My guess is that this is a wasted trip which is an opportunity for officials to go on gallivanting. As a commentator described earlier, extradition is a legal process. Under what circumstances does it permit the extradition of a citizen of one’s own country to another? Now our laws in Sri Lanka permit that. Does the Singaporean law permit that? The key question is DID Mahendran, when he became the Governor of the Central Bank sign the necessary documents swearing allegiance to our constitution and the oath that he will not support separatism? If he did then that can be produced to strip him from Singaporean citizenship, the fastest way to get him out. Now if he did not, how can one say that he was the Governor of the Central Bank in the first place? Technically he cannot then be a part of the scam.
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nalmen / July 17, 2018
all bullshit
ranil does not want him here
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rbh / July 17, 2018
As a first step the tasked force can discuss to participate/appear telephonic ally via video conference
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thrishu / July 17, 2018
Why should the government be investigating and wasting time, when this criminal mahendran is the Ranil PM’s best buddy? Ranil should, and he MUST, recall his mate back to Sri Lanka and Mahendran should oblige. All these investigation claims, as far as we are concerned, are FAKE and meant to waste time and mislead the public and voters until the next election. They may be OK for tethered simple simons but not for free thinking people. I just hope the voters would see through these smoke screens and chase these wankers out of parliament and find their due places in jail.
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Native Vedda / July 17, 2018
thrishu
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Burt asks you a question,
–“Bond Scam” Can you elaborate on WHAT the scam was?–
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Could you explain to him as to how that was possible and how much did the scammers made if they indeed paid themselves large sums.
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Thappu / July 17, 2018
Native Vedda, When I noted it in one of your comments, I thought that that was an oversight. Since you are repeating the same, more likely it is habitual.
Hence, this friendly guidance. ‘how much did the scammers made’, ought to read, ‘how much did the scammers make’. (The past tense has been covered by the word ‘did’ among them.)
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Native Vedda / July 18, 2018
Thappu
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Thanks for the correction.
When the wife is hovering above my head who cares about grammar?
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Burt / July 18, 2018
NV:
At best CB had a system failure due to the gaping holes left by Cabral. What use is it to follow procedures when those procedures are flawed?
Because of Cabral SL got screwed twice. First when he bought Greek Bonds hoping it to go up. Then selling bonds hoping it to go down.
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Mallaiyuran / July 17, 2018
In Lankawe, if there are any serious witnesses of a crime, it is a serious problem for Sinhala Jury only verdict. So those guys have to be eliminated before trial day. Within 12 hours they confirmed Leader Piraphaharan’s DNA, but they never were able to match the Vidya’s rapists with the accused.
Mahendran would not be brought in unless some Tamils as top in the list and hanged. That process should start to facilitate Mahendran’s arrival. Tamilini was poisoned, as per Colombo media. Many other Tamil Rebels who received extreme tortures inside. One Tamil accused was tied hospital bed for three days and let die, because the tortures on him cannot be brought even in front of Sinhala Only Jury. Mohan Peiris Simply said Tamil doesn’t have Fundamental Rights. There is good chance Pillaiyan go through this because they paid for more 1000 days of his maintenance but yet have not figured out what to do. Media said Pillaiyan said he was ordered by Old to finish off New. New has been claiming he has a file on Old and he was planning to kill him.
If the Capital Punishment is initiated and then somebody can put a packet in Mahendran bags and then he can be easily eliminated to protect Ranil and UNPyers safe. Otherwise nobody at this time knows how to save the UNPyers who brought Mahendran under one year contract to do the jobs at Central Bank. (Mahendran might be carrying a magic wand, so to fix the years and years corrupted economy and Central Bank were to be fixed by Mahendran in one year contract- now they planning to send Thero to Mosco because that imbecile is worse than Mahendran.)
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Real Revolutionist / July 17, 2018
Unbelievable;
Why should such state level negotiations be required to apprehend a rogue?
So any Singaporean thief can come here & do any damn thing & go back & live comfortably in his country?
Govt. is hoodwinking.
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K.Pillai / July 17, 2018
CT reports ~ “A delegation led by Secretary to the Ministry of Justice W.M.M.R. Adhikari has been tasked to discuss with Singaporean counterparts the details of a Mutual Legal Assistance Programme to enable the two countries to gather and exchange information with the objective of enforcing public or criminal laws”
The ‘public and criminal laws’ may the same in the two countries but are ‘enforced’ differently.
The Singapore counterparts of the ‘Lankan delegation’ must ask how the lucky dozens were selected.
Is such expense needed to look for the wanted person in ‘Little India’? Much cheaper if the task is entrusted to one of the Lankan domestic in Singapore.
.
Yet another drama with the same boring end.
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Douglas / July 18, 2018
Native Veda: Who wants a Government a “ineffective Government or a Government at all”? In this “Miracle Land of Asia” called Sri Lanka a “GANG” of criminals of all types, once in four or five years by means of offering of all types of “BRIBES” to the imbecile voters herd them to a poling station to “VOTE” on a ballot paper to nominate named candidates (the members of that GANG) to “Govern” the country. This is the undisputed TRUTH. Do you now know WHO wants a Government . There does not arise the question of “Effectiveness” or a “Government at All”. That “GANG of CRIMINALS” “Elected” and “Entered” (through the Back Door named a National List) get engaged in doing “BUSINESS” of Governing. That “BUSINESS” is carried on in succession changing the hands that hold reins. Isn’t this very “Effective Government” founded on a lucrative BUSINESS MODULE? I know, you know it well; but wanted me to spell it out. Cheers.
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Native Vedda / July 18, 2018
Douglas Man
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“I know, you know it well; but wanted me to spell it out. “
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I am innocent.
In my defense I plead ignorance.
I am also bit thick, please bear with me.
Lets forget me for a minute.
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“once in four or five years by means of offering of all types of “BRIBES” to the imbecile voters herd them to a poling station to “VOTE” on a ballot paper to nominate named candidates (the members of that GANG) to “Govern” the country.”
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I don’t get it.
Are you saying the people haven’t wisened up even after the Pancha Maha Blavegya revolution or some say counterrevolution in 1956 and the days of promise to provide eight measures of free rice imported all the way from the Moon, or end of the war/terrorism in 2009, ……………….. and free land to the landless peasants in the up country, true self sufficiency achieved by black tea/jaggery Civilisation, ……………?
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Douglas / July 18, 2018
Native Vedda: “I am innocent”. “I plead ignorance”. That proves what I stated re. formation and operation of Governments by the “GANG” of criminals of all types. Have a nice day.
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