Several probes into large scale financial misappropriations committed during the Rajapaksa regime have been initiated by the newly established Police Financial Fraud Investigation Division the Police said.
Mahinda Rajapaksa
Police Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunawardena said that among those that would be probed is the MiG airplanes purchase that was carried out in 2006. According to the complaint received by the Police, a sum of 14.5 million USD has been misappropriated in purchasing four MiG airplanes to the Sri Lanka Airforce, from Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Police said they have also received information on a 122 million USD misappropriation committed in the constructions of the Kerawalapitiya power plant. The information received so far has revealed that even though the CEB was well capable of completing the constructions for a sum of 210 million USD, a total of 332 million USD had been spent on the constructions.
Among the 12 other complaints of large-scale financial misappropriations that would be probed includes the oil hedging deal that incurred a loss of Rs.7 billion.
Ben Hurling / March 13, 2015
Ranil’s probes are hardly any better than ousted dictator’s presidential commissions.
Progress of these probes are clearly married to UNP’s general election strategy. Thus highly manipulated & slow.
Ranil’s cronies have used more than two months to come this far. Still planning to begin.
This is not the way to deal with fraud of this magnitude.
Lack of urgency is written all over UNP’s face. Unless a probe could be beneficial to their own electoral fortunes.
RW & UNP will pay dearly come General Election.
Cheers!
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KumarR. / March 13, 2015
I frankly think the Ranil-Mithri duo are strategizing a close-to election bombshell of revelations to get the maximum leverage as well as to limit the time availability for any effective defense – may not be a bad strategy!
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Ben Hurling / March 14, 2015
KumarR.,
Give you the benefit of the doubt. We got no other option anyway.
There is only one thing I expect from Ranil & Co. Establishment of independent institutions in Sri Lanka.
Hopefully such institutions will be occupied by people of backbones made of steel. People who are fiercely independent. Who will not dance to tunes of corrupt politicians from SLFP & UNP.
That is all I hope for, form the change we just managed to gain.
Cheers!
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Samuel jayweera / March 14, 2015
who is who ?
which is your icon Ben ? Why two different individuals using your username ?
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Punchimanike Marawila / March 14, 2015
Today we read that former Prez of Maldives have been convicted with 12 year jail session. I really dont think that it would be much less in terms of all the frauds have been made by MR thugs. Most of them earn even longer sessions to free this country from falling to a totally abusive future.
As Dr. Dambare Amila lately made it very clear that former Prez Son to have added that CSN was not a Business of Rajapakshe family- was a blatant lie even if each and everyone of the country is well aware of…. but to dare to make such statements to the very same folks, listeners .. are what they have been doing… even if they killed the innocient people have got guts to paint it in favours of them abusing the culture they themsevles introduced to the country during the last few years. That is why people of this country are very impatient towards any kind of legal procedures taking long prior the culprits being punished.
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Leelawathie / March 14, 2015
Ex-Maldives President sentenced to 13 years in prison
2015-03-14 08:19:38 10 3550
352 3 1 0 0 Google +1
Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has been found guilty of terrorism and sentenced to 13 years in prison for the military’s detention of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012.
Delivering the verdict at the final hearing of the trial on Friday night, Judge Abdulla Didi said the prosecution’s evidence proved beyond reasonable doubt that Nasheed ordered the chief judge’s arrest or “forceful abduction.”
Nasheed was the “architect” of the “atrocity,” Judge Didi said.
The chief judge’s detention on Girifushi Island was unlawful and unconstitutional, he continued, noting that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) defied orders from the Criminal Court, High Court and Supreme Court to release the judge.
Judge Didi also said the former president has a criminal record for theft, terrorism, false testimony and disobedience to orders.
While state prosecutors presented closing arguments tonights, Nasheed asked for 20 days to prepare his closing statement, stating he was unable to communicate with lawyers and examine evidence while incarcerated at Dhoonidhoo detention centre.
The former president asked to be transferred to Malé for better access to his lawyers.
He also objected to the hearing taking place on a Friday, noting that it was a public holiday where Muslims were enjoined to worship and spend time with family.
Tonight’s hearing was scheduled to begin at 8:30pm, but started around 9:15pm. After closing arguments, the judges adjourned proceedings and reconvened around 11:00pm.
Nasheed was smiling when the verdict was read out and shook hands with three of his family members while he was escorted out.
The opposition leader’s lawyers have said they intend to appeal the verdict at the High Court. If the lower court ruling is upheld by both the High Court and Supreme Court, Nasheed would not be able to contest the 2018 presidential election.
Home Minister Umar Naseer meanwhile tweeted saying he has “asked police to hold [President] Nasheed in Dhoonidhoo Detention Centre until a special unit is constructed in Maafushi Prison.”
Nasheed was charged with “enforced disappearance” under the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1990, which carries a jail term of between 10 to 15 years.
Prior to a hearing on March 9, all four of Nasheed’s lawyers quit in protest of the Criminal Court’s refusal to grant sufficient time to examine the prosecution’s evidence and mount a defence.
The presiding judges had denied the lawyers’ request for adequate time, stating the legal team has had the case documents for three years.
Judges also insisted in tonight’s verdict that Nasheed was offered both enough time to prepare his defence and access to lawyers, claiming he refused the opportunity to appoint new lawyers.
Nasheed was first charged in 2012 with arbitrary detention under article 81 of the penal code, which carries either banishment or a jail term of up to three years.
On February 15, Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin withdrew the charges filed at the Hulhumalé Magistrate Court. Nasheed was arrested on February 22 shortly after the PG filed terrorism charges at the Criminal Court.
At the previous hearing, Judges Didi, Abdul Bari Yousuf, and Shujau Usman dismissed the opposition leader’s repeated requests for legal representation. The judges also refused to hear defence witnesses, claiming they could not negate the prosecution’s evidence or witness testimony.
“I want a lawyer. This is not a court of law. This is injustice. This is the biggest circus this country has seen in its constitutional history,” Nasheed said.
Sit-in
Continuing its daily protests since Nasheed’s arrest, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) began a march at the ‘Usfasgandu’ area of Malé around 4:30pm today with thousands of supporters.
After walking down Majeedhee Magu, protesters split into two groups and staged a sit-down behind police barricades at Orchid Magu and Fareedhee Magu. Both roads lead to the Criminal Court building.
Police escorted Nasheed to court around 8:00pm for the last hearing of his trial. The opposition leader attempted to talk to journalists assembled outside the building, but was blocked by police.
Nasheed told the journalists to “stay strong.”
Around 8:40pm, according to a live blog on the police website, police said the Criminal Court complained to police of loud noise from loudspeakers on a pickup used by the protesters.
Police said protesters were repeatedly advised to turn down the volume, but refused to comply.
Specialist Operations (SO) officers confiscated the loudspeakers after “giving a last warning.”
Moreover, police said protesters threw objects at riot police and “some people who obstructed police duty were taken into police custody.”
A Minivan News journalist near the Salsa restaurant on Orchid Magu observed police using pepper spray indiscriminately and arresting at least six protesters.
When SO officers pushed back protesters with their shields and attempted to take over the pickups, protesters threw bottles at the riot police.
Violent clashes erupted between SO officers and protesters.
One protester was seen bleeding from the head after the clashes. However, SO officers took the pickups away, pushed back protesters and withdrew behind barricades.
Meanwhile, a group of about five young men hurled crude oil at a protest pickup at Fareedhee Magu and vandalised equipment. Police have also confirmed the incident.
The five men were reportedly arrested at the scene.
Police also said a protester was taken to hospital after being pepper sprayed and released after treatment. Police did not specify the nature of the injury.
According to an update on the police blog at 11:40pm, two police officers were attacked near Salsa restaurant and their vehicle was damaged during the assault. A cameramen was also injured and protesters threw bottles at journalists, police said
– See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/66429/ex-maldives-president-sentenced-to-13-years-in-prison#sthash.vHZ99RY2.dpuf
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Amarasiri / March 14, 2015
RE: Probes Into Large Scale Corruptions During Rajapaksa Begin
Mahinda Rajapaksa, The Mara incarnate of Buddhism, Buddha warned against.
The Country needs to be warned against this MaRa, Medamulana Mahinda Rajapaksa.
[Edited out]
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Samuel Jayaweera / March 15, 2015
Before the entire justice system reaches the levels of some countries – the authorities should must take actions in this country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7egCboCEfPM
Give UP tomorrow is a good film to watch by srilankens.
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Sylvia Haik / March 16, 2015
I lost faith in Ranil W. the moment the intervened to halt the arrest of Gotabhaya Rajapakse. First, he should not interfere with the judicial process and secondly, it smacks of favouritism. I will not be surprised if the Rajapakses get off Scot free. It has been reported that the Rajapakses own mansions in USA worth $Millions. They should explain how they accumulated this fortune and be charged Jayalalitha style but what’s the bet, these properties are in other people’s names.
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Modi not Modhi / March 13, 2015
I have concluded two ideal lessons from this previous Mahinda chapter:
01. The money comes to you in a wrong way will not take care of you. Each cent you earned illegally will take you closer to the hell.
02. Racism is still a powerful tool in the 21st century world. Racism is in each and every single cell of Sinhalese bloody idiots’ blood. Separation is the only destination that will put a full-stop to racism.
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dcn / March 13, 2015
We have to be fair by the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. We have to understand that though he is P.M. he is only heading a minority government and have to put up with MR’s people at various levels in all departments including all defence forces, police, lake house, etc. Do you think he can efficiently function at high speed as we all would like in this atmosphere?
Though delayed the law will take its course and we are sure the givernment would be able to recover atleast some of the moneys and the guilty punished appropriately.
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Justice & Fairplay / March 14, 2015
DCN’s statement above makes the greatest sense and should answer everyone agitating for results of investigations. Hopefully, some television networks who are manipulative in the extreme, will learn to curb their tendencies to incite and learn the lesson of patience.
DCN, what you have stated is the truth, missed by many, in this land of ours.
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dcn / March 15, 2015
Justice & Fairplay
Appreciate yr sentiments.
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PARAGON / March 13, 2015
PLEASE DO NOT PUT ALL THE BLAMES ON RANIL.AS EVERY BODY IS AWARE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO INTERNET IN RURAL AREAS IN SRI-LANKA.ONLY LAST TWO MONTHS PART OF SRI-LANKA PAPERS AND OTHER MEDIAS ARE PUBLISHING ANTI-MAKINDA KINGDOM NEWS AND THEIR UNLAWFULL ACTIVITIES.THE MOMENT YOU ARREST ONE OF RAJAPAKSASA JUNIOR OR SENIOR WIMAL-GAMNPULLE DINESH AND COMPANY WILL START CARRYING OUT PROPAGNADA AND CREATE A SYMPATHY WAVE AND AS SUCH RANIL AND COMPANY WILL NOT ARREST ANY RJAHPAKSAS BEFORE NEXT ELECTION AND GAIN ABOSLUTE POWER IN PARLIMENT.IN POLITICS NO PERMANENT ENIMIES OR FRIENDS.ANY THING CAN HAPPEN IN NEXT TWO MONTHS.EVER MERVIN SILVA OR DUMINDA SILVA OR EVEN G.L.PERIES CAN BECOME NEXT PRIMINISTER.JAWAWEEWA TO DEMOCRAZEY IN SRI-LANKA.
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Joseph M Perera / March 13, 2015
I am a US Citizen . The people of Sri Lanka are very smart . I REALLY THINK SOME CRAZY SRI LANKAN POLITICIANS THINK THAT OUR PEOPLE CAN BE FOOLED . MR R W YOU ARE WRONG .
THOUSANDS OF BRIBERY CASES BEING FILED AS WE SPEAK . CID IS INTERVIEWING ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE DAILY BASIS . NO LEADING POLITICIAN IS ARRESTED SO FAR .SOME POLITICIANS ARE HIDING OVERSEAS .
I ADVICE THE FELLOW SRI LANKANS NOT TO VOTE FOR CROOKS , DRUG DEALERS . LIARS SO ON . PLEASE SAVE OUR COUNTRY FROM FURTHER CORRUPTION . YOU ALL HAVE THE POWER TO DO SO WITH YOUR VOTE. VOTE WISELY PLEASE.
GOOD LUCK TO OUR COUNTRY .
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Douglas / March 14, 2015
What a “hue and cry” of mega deals and related investigations. How about those that Sajin Vas Gunawardane signed with “Public relations” institution in USA to promote Sri Lanka, even without the approval of the Cabinet. In one case he even gave an address of No. 8, Dudley Senanayake Mawatha, Colmbo 8, where no Government Institution is functioning. All the details pertaining to those “DEALS” were publicly announced in Sunday Times. Do you need “years and years” to reveal truth of those deals? All these public announcements and utterances are nothing but “HUMBUGGERY”. Mr. “CLEAN” (my foot) don’t try to “humbug” the voters. This time the people will teach you a life long lesson. I feel sorry for Mr. Maithri who came forward to oust that “unscrupulous” dictatorial type Political Leader we had. Now I know he(Mr. Maithri) too got into wrong company. My advice to you Mr.President, get out of this “Limited Liability Company” of Mr. Ranil and save your reputation. Sooner the better.
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REW / March 14, 2015
The Gen elections will be a good time to farewell RW, J.Amaratunga, Karu, and perhaps even Kiriella, as the country needs to move forward.
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Aia / March 14, 2015
” a sum of 14.5 million USD has been misappropriated in purchasing four MiG airplanes to the Sri Lanka Airforce, from Ukraine.” From Ukraine? Sounds like KP’s hand in there also although it was in 2006. He was very popular there, doesn’t it ring a well?.
Anyway, put all these aside, focus only one at a time. Just follow the money trail of the Tsunami fund received. it was very simple.
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Saman / March 15, 2015
WHY KP?
How about Udayanga Weeratunga who is MR’s cousin who studied in Ukraine, married to an Ukrainian woman, and who was later appointed our Ambassador in Moscow for the last 7 years?
Talk to a few Lankans in Moscow will reveal what Udayanga was up to in Moscow.
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ashan kottagoda / March 14, 2015
Is this the way the liberator of the pearl of the indian ocean is being treated which such disrespect it is as if Nelson Mandela were humiliated by the black South Africans
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Point of View / March 14, 2015
Don’t insult Nelson Mandela !
Mahinda Rajapakse was never a statesman ! He was a street thug who happened to be the President at the end of the war.
The real war heroes are the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country !!
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Das / March 15, 2015
The worst thing MR did was to create kidney problem in the country by allowing pesticides which contains poison by accepting bribes.Even worse is that Japanese gave dialysis machines and you made millions out of that too.Do you have a heart? There is a place in the hell awaiting for you.You killded even the future generation.if you are in a country like even Malaysis,you bugger would be hanged.Do you know that pesticides that are banned in Malaysia,found their way in Sri Lanka during MR regime.
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Das / March 15, 2015
The worst thing MR did was to create kidney problem in the country by allowing pesticides which contains poison by accepting bribes.Even worse is that Japanese gave dialysis machines and you made millions out of that too.Do you have a heart? There is a place in the hell awaiting for you.You killded even the future generation.if you are in a country like even Malaysis,you bugger would be hanged.Do you know that pesticides that are banned in Malaysia,found their way in Sri Lanka during MR regime.People in Sri Lanka has very short memory.He even killed the future generation of his own Sinhalese people.do you know what is meant by statesman?American president who united America is a statesman..Nelson Mandela who said life is short,let us forget and forgive and embraced the whites who did so much atrocities and united south Africa is a statesman.MR is a statesman?my foot?
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Ravanan / March 15, 2015
Lotus Tower one of the first class scam if Bribery Commission can inquire former TRCSL DG Mr. A P_L__P_TA and his ongoing one of the constructing house in Nugegoda Dewala Road…..His personal lure life witness it’s corrupted lifestyle. Unless Parliament must declare a gazette notice what’s the salaries of statuary Heads,No wonder you can find Lotus Tower constructors in the premises raw materials too Modaya fail to swap the vehicles entry passes at van…. If Mr.M.N Subair review his position simply he can reveal what was taken place previous Head of TRC SL
Former President loyalty won the control of Tower control.
If this activities identify as bright future to Sri Lanka God only save Sri Lanka latter days.
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Raavana / March 15, 2015
Lotus Tower one of the first class scam if Bribery Commission can inquire former TRCSL DG Mr. A P_L__P_TA and his ongoing one of the constructing house in Nugegoda Dewala Road…..His personal lure life witness it’s corrupted lifestyle. Unless Parliament must declare a gazette notice what’s the salaries of statuary Heads,No wonder you can find Lotus Tower constructors in the premises raw materials too Modaya fail to swap the vehicles entry passes at van…. If Mr.M.N Subair review his position simply he can reveal what was taken place previous Head of TRC SL
MR the boss who directed DG of TRCSL to corrupt…..can rule of law inquire ?
If this activities identify as bright future to Sri Lanka God only save Sri Lanka latter days.
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Gowdilyan Prof / March 16, 2015
This criminal can be tried for the atrocities committed against Sarath Fonseka and the former .SJ Ms. S. Bandaranayake and killing of school children who demanded pure water. Why wait for other crimes to be inquired and heard.
Imprison this notorious thief and murduerer for 13 years only for Tempering Judiciary, another 13 years for insulting and hurting the true war hero of mother Sri Lanka, and minimum of another 13 years for allowing his murduerer podi yakka malli to kill some school children mercilessly in lines of the Maldives Judiciary. The /An Indian Chief Minister is also given 13 years of imprisonment recently in the State of Haryana for bribery. No other than the Present President is supposed to be very well aware of the bribery of MR from Pharmaceutical businessmen in the country. So why delay in inquiring this matter. So this notorious Sri Lankan former President can easily enjoy 39 years of imprisoment.
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Sylvia Haik / March 20, 2015
All these probes, inquiries and commissions will only delay the outcome and most preferable to the Rajapakses. The fortunes they have amassed here and overseas can be easily identified. The only question they have to answer is how they managed to accumulate it with only their miinsterial salaries. Imagine Minister Jayalalitha’s situation in India being subjected to probes and inquiries. They would never been able to convict her as they did.
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