Minister of Law and Order, and Southern Development, Sagala Ratnayaka categorically denied any involvement of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Cabinet of Ministers or other senior government officials in the arrest of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his alleged involvement in money laundering at the Carlton Sports Network (CSN).
Minister Ratnayaka
In a statement issued last night, Ratnayaka said that based on the police report he obtained it was clear that Yoshitha Rajapaksa was clearly involved in this issue, which led to his arrest. “As pledged during the election, we have maintained the strictest rule of law in carrying out investigations, and I can attest that neither the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers nor any government officers have interfered in this issue,” he said.
The statement went on to elaborate how electronic emails had verified that Yoshitha Rajapaksa had functioned as the chairman of the television channel, while Nishantha Ranatunga was the CEO, and Rohan Welivita, Kavishan Dissanayake, Ravinath Fernando and Shadiya Karunajeewa were founding directors of the company, which led to the arrests, after they failed to furnish proper details over how they found the initial capital amounting to Rs. 234 million, and a further US $ 2.3 million, to fund the channel.
Amarasiri / February 8, 2016
Minister of Law and Order, and Southern Development, Sagala Ratnayaka
RE: President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers Not Involved In Yoshitha Arrest: Sagala
“In a statement issued last night, Ratnayaka said that based on the police report he obtained it was clear that Yoshitha Rajapaksa was clearly involved in this issue, which led to his arrest. “As pledged during the election, we have maintained the strictest rule of law in carrying out investigations, and I can attest that neither the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers nor any government officers have interfered in this issue,” he said.”
If so, good. Let the law take it’s own course.
Treat Yoshita like any other suspect.He is innocent until proven guilty.
If guilty, punish him. If not let him go.
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To the Point / February 8, 2016
[Edited out]
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Ben Hurling / February 8, 2016
Wow!
Sri Lanka must be a beacon of rule of law.
Don’t get me wrong, I applaud Yoshitha’s arrest, along with his henchmen.
However, who is gonna buy Sagala’s BS? Please stand up.
Cheers!
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kalu baba / February 8, 2016
If they weren’t involved and the police is functioning independently, How does he ‘the Minister’ know this information? Police has not yet disclosed this information yet.
Chairman of a board of director’s is a official title held, with legal implications, and requires registering with the companies office. How someone could ‘function as a chairman’ without being registered is beyond me.
Rule of Law my ______!
Weerawansa = wife, passport, wrong birthday = major corruption
M R = wife, charity, bank account, Identity card number wrong = major corruption
M R = son, company, acting as chair, can’t explain capital for expenditure = money laundering
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Lanka Watch / February 8, 2016
That goes without saying as the judiciary today is independent and strong and the minister need not say that politicians never got involved, thus insulting the judiciary. Like wise the judgement will also be made according to the evidence available to the judges and not on here say.
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Jim softy / February 8, 2016
There had been 12,000 emails on which roshitha had signed as the director of CSN.
Some of the loans that Yoshitha got had been paid, At Least 50 million, from the President’s fund.
Anyway, they have not charged him yet, he did not really eat Hira-bath. It is meals coming from home.
Besides, Some one says that wijedasa Rajapakse wanted roshitha out. But, Law enforcement said NO.
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justice / February 8, 2016
The Navy chief should have taken action on:-
1.The admission of Yoshitha as a naval cadet without minimum qualifictions.
2.His selection for training abroad without any selection process.
3.His travel and course costs being met by unknown sources.
4.His promotion on return.
5.His permanent posting to the Presidential Security Division.
6.His second selection to pursue studies for a PhD.
7.His running a private enterprise – a TV Network – while in public service.
The Navy chief should explain all above to the Chief of General Staff.
Minister Ratnayake should query these in parliament instead of only shielding the President, Prime Minister & all other ministers from blame.
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Leena / February 8, 2016
Well,
1) Special circumstances allow the Commander to let an individual -who doesn’t meet the entry requirements such as age, education, height etc – to enlist in the forces. In this case, it was to lift up local moral and to boost the numbers
2) There is no way to explain this one
3) Blank
4) Blank
5) This will open up another can of MR worms. He was definitely not the only one who was transferred back to PSD under personal preferences. Do check up on his cousin (Dr. Chandradasa’s son) who received the same set of scholarships and privileges.
6) ….
7…
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Douglas / February 8, 2016
So far so good and some thing is better than nothing. The main charges are centered on Money Laundering and we all know how and what sort of proof are required to prove and also how long it will take to dispose the case. Mr. Yoshitha must also be charged on “Misuse and Mishandling” of Public Property. There is a complaint made on that charge too. When the case comes up on 11th February, we will know how that has been brought into the case; because if it is a charge or at least presented to the Courts in a B report, the accused cannot and will not get bail.
Hopefully, it will not be liken to the Rs. 600 million “Sil Redi” case, where the case was purposely brought before a High Court ignoring it being a pending case before a Magistrate Court. We feel it was “purposely” done to get the accused bailed out; because they would not have been given bail by the Magistrate Courts due to the provisions in the Public Property Act. In that case the two bailed out are two prominent persons, viz. mr. Lalith Weeratunga the ex Secretary to the then President and Mr. Vajira Pelpita of the SLRAT.
I say the above and quoted an example, because there is widely published accusation to say that the “Big Wigs” in Government are making “DEALS” with the “Ex Big Wigs” to provide “relief” to those caught and accused. Everyone says “Let the Law takes its own course” and it is easy to say than done. Do not forget that the Law takes its course, entirely dependent on the way the cases are presented and handled by the the authorities. That INGENUITY is like eating the pudding to get it’s real taste. We will TASTE it in the coming days and months.
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Point of View / February 8, 2016
Totally agree.
Sagala – how sure are you that RW will not interfere ? Don’t take the civil society for a joke. We are watching you !
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Rohan Rsn / February 8, 2016
I am a bit curious. If the PM, Preside t or the UNP gov wasn’t involved how come the bil in law of a prominent minister wasn’t also arrested. He was on the board of CSN
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Jangi Hora / February 8, 2016
Who is the prominent Minister you speak of? are you too scared to speak out in this climate of freedom of expression.
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Saman / February 8, 2016
Yoshitha is neither KING nor PRINCE.
He is just a son of Mahinda Rajapaksa.
If someone has committed any crime he or she must be brought to justice.
Everyone knows what Mahinda Rajapaksa’s three son did and have done in the past.
Some henchmen of Rajapaksa are blind and deaf. But we believe President and Prime Minister along with Mr Champika Ranawaka, Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Mr. R. Sampanthan will take an action as they promised before 08th of January 2014.
All members of Rajapaksa family and all henchmen are extremely corrupted and robbers of public money.
Government should build a new prison for them and incarcerate them for life.
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Pinhamy / February 8, 2016
Regardless of his status, he should be convicted basta.
The mandate given by people are to go for YAHAPALANAYA where everyone is no above law. Each of us should be treated equal.
Those who have fears are against FCDI. All others 99% of the nation support it.
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Saro / February 8, 2016
” they failed to furnish proper details over how they found the initial capital amounting to Rs. 234 million, and a further US $ 2.3 million, to fund the channel.”
The chairman( Yoshitha Rajapakse), CEO (Nishantha Ranathunge) and directors could not explain how they obtained Rs243 million and $2.3 million, is it not a classical case of money laundering? If that so what do Mahinda Rajapakse supporters want done?
The hu ha is on the arrest of Yoshitha. The journalists must ask the question Mahinda Rajapakse “what do you want done?” in that case? rather than beating around the bush.
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mori / February 8, 2016
If that is the case how come cabinet ministers kept saying Rajapaksas will be arrested soon? And after the arrest politicians claiming they are guilty even before the case is heard? Strange justice. Looks more like politics of envy is ruling the day !!!
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Gramberg / February 8, 2016
The young minister Sagala Ratnayake was merely assuring all those who were quick to accuse, that the PM and the President gave out instructions to the judiciary. He made this statement given the backdrop of our recent history where such decisions were made by the President. If not, tell me how and why Sarath Fonseka was dragged into prison in the most ungainliest way, on the flimsiest charges.
The country is watching with interest. Any interference with the judiciary will have its repercussions. Sri Lanka needs to instill a culture where even the highest in the land, leaves its judiciary to decide its affairs.
Political interference must stop. Well said, Sagala Ratnayake.
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KA Sumanasekera / February 8, 2016
Do I have to tell anyone how I get the money, if I want to start a business?.
Did Galleon’s Belgian mate disclose where he got the money from before he parked it in the Singaporean’s safe?.
Sunday times names three ex and current Ministers who bring in Moonshine without paying Import Tax.
They are Ex Minister Johnston, current Deputy Minister Anurdhika Fernando and current Minister Wasantha. Perera.
We all know poor Johnny was locked up .. Right.
But the President has rewarded the other two quite handsomely.
Wonder whether Sagala got a Police Report on them too?
Sagala’s fodder must be good nourishment for the Yahapalana suckers..
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Gramberg / February 8, 2016
So what is the solution you propose, K.A.S? Is there ONE THING you find this government has done right, since it came into power? Just name one please?
Sagala Ratnayake, a young minister is unlikely to spoil his name, tinkering with the Law and order and the judiciary.
Yes, you do have to state how you made the money, if you were a Lieutenant in the Navy and also involved in running a company (plenty of evidence)while going overseas dozens of times without Naval clearance.
In investigations, one thing leads to another. It is a very healthy sign for us the people, to warn all future legislators and cabinet ministers of this land not to take undue advantage.
Don’t you think so K.A.S?
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Gamarala / February 8, 2016
Hey, hey
[Edited out]
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Saro / February 8, 2016
The law as it stands says
” that any person who engages directly or indirectly in any transaction in relation to any property which is derived or realised directly or indirectly, from any unlawful activity or proceeds from any unlawful activity, he shall be guilty of the offense of money laundering for which the punishment is a fine and/or imprisonment of five years to twenty years.”
We all knew under the previous regime law was selectively applied.
Many murders, raping and kidnappings committed by Rajapakse accomplices were ignored or perpetrators enjoyed impunity.
One highly publicised case involved the murder of a British and multiple raping of his girl friend, Russian tourist . A friend of the ruler was directly implicated. During the Commonwealth Conference in 2013 the British PM twisted M Rajapakse’s hand to get the prosecution of both crimes.
Do we want selective prosecution of cases or any accused is either investigated of prosecuted and the judicial process applied indiscriminately without political interference.
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Tamil from the north / February 8, 2016
Who gives a shi*. This scoundrel is a thief and a murderer. Keep him in jail until he rots. While he is there find this basta&$ Jim Shitty and skin him and throw him in there with him.
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Patriot / February 8, 2016
This is a sensational news that will boost Mahinda’s standing with the masses. Ranil is historically good at self destruction. This is one such case again. The overwhelming response in the society is helping Mahinda to rise up again. My3 and Ranil have only one focus how to stop Mahinda. Sad and Pity. Instead Ranil should have formed a government with TNA and got SLFP ministers to defect. That way he would have a UNP government. Today large part of UNP is in dissaray waiting for the right time to screw the leader.
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Raizuh Langai / February 8, 2016
Why you want to involve the names of such leaders for this Podiyan Fella? He is been found guilty by a Govt. unit. What else do you want? Explain! My butt.
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Mervyn Silva / February 8, 2016
Shadia Karunajeewa is the wife of Indika Karunajeewa. Lawyer Indika Karunajeewa was sent to London High Commission mainly to guide Namal Rajapakse (NR) in his studies. When Namal became an MP, Indika Karunajeewa came to Colombo as the Private secretary of NR. NR had provided enough opportunities for Karunajeewa to earn money while working for him. He was also made a Senior Assistant Secretary to President and Deputy Chairman of Ports Authority.
It is said that Shadia Karunajeewa had invested Rs10 Million with the CSN to become a Director of CSN. How did she find this money? This is all ill-gotten money of Namal Rajapakse. Karunajeewa was used as a front to deposit ill-gotten money of NR in Karunajeewa’s foreign accounts.
Karunajeewa’s father was the Chairman of Peoples’ Bank and a close confidente of MR.
Karunajeewa while working at the High Commission never allowed others to meet NR without his knowledge. He played a character similar to Lucyhamy in the “Giraya” tele drama. But Karunajeewa’s successor Chaminda Kularatne unlike Karunajeewa became very popular among the High Commission staff and the Sri Lankans living in London.
Arrest of Karunajeewa will reveal most of his dubious dealings during court proceedings.
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Rohan Polwatte / February 8, 2016
I hope those who are arrested are proved guilty b4 they were arrested. You cannot arrest anyone until proven guilty.
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InconvenientTruth / February 10, 2016
On the contrary with sufficient evidence one can be arrested but needs to be charged, and from what I understand this fellow has not being charged,
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Thrishu / February 9, 2016
May be so, but it seems now they are going to get involved in getting this villain out of jail.
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Gabriel / May 17, 2016
With all the evidence there is, why are they not indicted? Why was Indika Karunajeewa allowed to leave the country… Why is Yahapalanaya helping the biggest crooks, to get away…
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