28 March, 2024

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Russian Ship Scandal: Kili Maharaja Wages War Against The US, Karu Caught In Crossfire

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has found himself in the middle of a war being waged by the Sirasa TV network against the United States of America after the Washington actively worked to scuttle plans by the Maharaja group to be intermediaries in the Defence Ministry purchase of a Russian offshore patrol vessel.

Maharaja

For the past three days the Sirasa network has launched a scathing attack on the Speaker of Parliament and his advisor and former Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam using the bulk of the channel’s nightly news broadcasts in all three languages to vilify them as agents of the US international spy agency, CIA.

The pro-Rajapaksa Joint Opposition MPs Dinesh Gunewardena and Wimal Weerawansa have actively joined the Sirasa bandwagon and are being rewarded for their criticism against Speaker Jayasuriya and Kariywasam by being offered significant quantities of airtime on Sirasa.

Colombo Telegraph can now reveal that R. Rajamahendra aka Kili Maharaja’s sudden antagonism towards the US is motivated by his rage that with six months left in President Sirisena’s term he has been unable to get past the US blockades to purchase the Russian ship. Representatives of the Maharaja group were expected to rake in large profits if the Russian OPV was purchased by the Defence Ministry, by being intermediaries. Senior officials of the Maharaja group were even caught on tape discussing the purchase. Details about the deal came out during negotiations for crossovers to the Sirisena-Rajapaksa camp during the attempted political coup in October 2018. Leaked recordings of a Sirisena emissary trying to get Hirunika Premachandra’s aunt to get her to crossover to support the coup revealed that Sirasa Channel Head Chevaan Daniel and Larry-King impersonator Faraz Shakuterlly had both been involved in discussions about the purchase of the Russian vessel.

Cabinet approved the purchase of the Russian vessel in October 2017.

President Sirisena’s attempt to purchase a Russian Offshore Patrol Vessel at such a huge cost alarmed the US Government, which issued demarches and threatened to call off military grants if the transaction went through. Furthermore, over the last two years the US and its allies gifted the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard several vessels free of charge.

The US actively sought to block the purchase of the Russian vessel with the purchase set to go through a US sanctioned Russian arms company. It was believed at the time that even the appointment of Dayan Jayatillake as ambassador to Russia by President Sirisena was motivated in part by the fact that the Sirisena administration badly wanted the deal to be seen through to its finish. Jayatillake is also well-known to be a Kili Maharaja pawn who was routinely used by the Sirasa network to criticise Ranil Wickremesinghe and his coterie in the UNP.

In July 2018, the Indian Government handed over an off-shore patrol vessel to the Sri Lanka coast guard. In August 2018, the Japanese gifted two new fast patrol crafts to the Lankan coast-guard fleet. In May 2019, the US Coast Guard cutter Sherman was handed over to the Navy. With all the vessels added to the fleet at no cost, it became harder for the Maharaja-Sirisena nexus to justify the purchase of a Russian OPV – technically the same kind of ship that was being gifted by the US and India – at 150 million USD. With the Russian ship deal having fallen through Kili Maharaja has turned his guns on the US Government for effectively cutting into his commission.

Now Sirasa and the Joint Opposition are claiming that Jayasuriya is allowing Kariyawasam who they accuse of being a kind of CIA agent to operate inside Parliament in order to carry out America’s neo-imperialist agendas. The basis of the allegation has no grounding in fact but is based on the vague presumption that Kariyawasam is an employee of the US Government, a theory first put forward in the Sunday Times political column and based on completely erroneous information. The retired Foreign Secretary has been recruited as a consultant by an international development company – Development Alternatives Initiative (DIA) which gets some funding from USAID. His work with Parliament involves capacity building, particularly in terms of strengthening oversight systems in the legislature.

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Latest comments

  • 33
    0

    Someone, or some people, are working hard to make sure the commissions benefit their bank accounts. These Sri Lankans, normally lazy bums, are sweating hard, to make sure this deal goes through. Why else would they want these patrol vessels, when we have been given so many others? We can guess whose pockets are going to be filled up, very easily.

    • 38
      3

      The Maharaja group and it’s appendage the Sirasa TV channels are probably the most unscrupulous and shameless outfits in the country. During the rule of MR, after just one bombing, they knew they could go this far and no further. Now they abuse their new found freedom to abuse and destroy defenceless persons who refuse to follow their dictates. One was Muhunthan Canagey. The Google balloon project was scuttled due to a barrage of false propaganda.
      “Faraz the Larry King impersonator”. That’s a good one!

  • 45
    4

    I have been writing that Faraz is an idiot whose motive was to attack Ranil all the time. In every telecast Fraraz talks about Central Bank robbery. Thanks to Colombo Telegraph for exposing this.

    • 3
      15

      Donkeys are scared about wirting CIA clique of UNP. These news are important there is a lot going on in Thun-sinhale. Just selling everything. Mangala says he gaves Rs 3000 million to every village. AKila Kariawasam says the govt gave Rs 300 million to every village.
      But, Some people says, when the next govt comes, If Ranil is there, give him the home affairs minister. People may ask where all those things you built just before the election, they begin election rallies since July 1st. SOme how Ranil might says, We did not have money, so, we could not build anything. Just like FCID, Ajasaththa Style govt, Bond Scam, NCM paying money to MPs, now the RIshad Bahiuddin, Zaharan scandle. They all were sharing Saudi Arabian money and British Pounds and forgot to save the Catholics.

    • 15
      1

      Nobody bothers with Fsraz and his ‘exposes.’ Talks too much. Need a new Larry King

    • 19
      1

      I am not a fan of Ranil Wickremasinghe nor a dyed-in the wool UNPer. I had long since considered Ranil as a failed leader – be it his party or the country. He would appear diffident, almost disinterested of another’s viewpoint and appeared to be living in a bubble, far removed from ground reality.. His being intolerant of democratic practices within his own party did not endear him to me in any special way .
      There were many critics of the man but MTV was special. THey would – in their newscasts – target Premier Wickremasinghe unmercifully, while blatantly promoting Sajith Premadasa over anything he did, however trivial or small. It was apparent they werent neutral and I began to ignore the station and its newscasts like so many others.
      The attack on Wickremasinghe was led by a fat man in glasses, who wore jockstraps over his shoulders and a necktie to throttle his neck. He had a pompous toffee nosed accent which would have put Sangakkara from the commentary box to shame. Later I learnt there were many like myself, who had stopped watching MTV through sheer disgust of its open politicization of the news and their blatant violation of normally accepted norms and codes of ethics which other more respectable broadcasters abide by..
      Ranil’s shelf life as a leader is now long past. He vacillates when he shouldnt. He fails to challenge his detractors head on, but prefers backroom methods of manoeuvring to stay on in power. He doesnt resign when he should but hangs on like a leech. And he ignores the future leaders of his party- the younger men, thinking probably he is immortal. He doesnt believe in team building. That said, there is one thing about him which strongly appeals to me.
      The hallmark of a civilised man is his ability to accept provocation, without feeling the need to retaliate.

      • 6
        5

        Justice & Fairplay,

        Are you talking about Batalanda Ranil? If you knew 1% of what went on at the Batalanda Camp, you would never call this man “civilized”.

        • 7
          0

          Hello Rajiv thanks for yours.

          Obviously i don’t know enough of what you allege but it must cause a lot of concern that some people could get away with dastardly acts if the connections were right. I also believe there is a judicial system in place and those such as you could have used it to bring errant politicians to book at least when Ranil was out of power.

          What I meant to say with my piece above was that despite great provocation , the man remains calm and untouched and sees no reason to retaliate, despite having the entire state machinery at his disposal. In fact, MTV are free to spew forth their vitriolic propaganda from a position of safety which is an improvement on the situation that prevailed under the previous regime dont you think?

          That said, i believe it is time for Ranil to go, without overstaying his welcome. Whether he will have the good sense to do so or not, only time will tell.

  • 23
    2

    I have my doubts about Prasad Kariyawasam’s involvements. But Sirasa’s partiality to Sirisena and recently started criticism of Karu Jayasuriya show its hidden agendas. One reason for criticizing KJ is his name is being mentioned as UNP’s presidential candidate ignoring Sajith P, the favourite of Sirasa. I remember sometime back, Sirasa’s Chevaan Devavarathan Daniel was present at a function in Russia which was held to felicitate Sirisena.

  • 24
    0

    Along with hate speech laws, another set of laws that identify, media and its agencies that prejudice political agendas for material or benefit also to be criminalized and de-licensed.

  • 10
    1

    Well , the system allows everyone with political connections to rob the Country as long as they dont get into the badbooks of their Masters , just look at the media Coverage on tree felling and Deforestation (I am not condoning it) but deforestation can be reveresed and restored,not mininng of aggregates Sand,metal, earth etc , but it is never given the coverage and no law is implemented to regulaye it either why ?
    I do not know why….
    Shoukat Ali and Azath Sally must becareful of over playing their dramas you know the saying about people living glass houses.

  • 6
    8

    There is a more fundamental issue:
    Why should the US meddle in our business?

    • 7
      2

      SJ

      Is it okay if peacefully rising middle kingdom meddling in our business?
      I didn’t hear you complaining about China meddling in our business before, during and after the war had ended.

      It’s okay with me if you believe Sri Lanka is an autonomous region of China or even a Municipality.

  • 9
    3

    This is a joke. mahajaraa and cronies gamarala/Premeputha have ruled Lanka since 2015. They own half the journos and opinion-makers while jarapakses own the rest. Our simpleton public follows both narratives of either fake news faction. Katay Pittu ranil and juntalman Karu can’t match the reach of these fake news Purveyors. We can only hope and pray that the innate common sense of the Sri Lankan voters triumphs over spin Doctors in the next election

  • 13
    1

    This faraz lk impersonator is a clown and AH. The few rupees given to him by podirajah kili helps keep his ugly belly full of gas.

  • 5
    2

    Where is the evidence for all this ? At least in the Bond scam we had documents and public hearings .

    In this matter, is there a single document ? Investigative reporting must back up with evidence, not mere speculation and slander.

  • 1
    0

    Its Very Clear after reading this Article that the bombings are behind this Sean. God will send his Punnishment in no Time.

  • 3
    6

    The Yanks (derogatory term for USA) should realise that just because you gave someone a gift, it doesn’t mean you can tell them what to do.

    • 8
      1

      upasena

      why should we pay double the value of that ship so as to benefit killi maharah and sirisena’s son inlaw who have plenty of money already,while are people are suffering sometimes without even basic facilities and necessities.The US saved us valuable money by blocking the sale, though that was not their purpose in doing it.

  • 2
    15

    Seems to be far more investigative journalism in this signed piece from the US by a reputed SL reporter of a different (more professional) vintage, than in the anonymous and tendentious CT piece above, though.

    https://srilankaexpress.org/commentary-prasad-kariyawasam

    • 12
      0

      Ambassador

      You were sent to Moscow to deal with the purchase of the floating “accident to happen” corroding metal frame priced at $150 million. If you are unable to bring it a speedy conclusion why don’t you hire Basil get it completed, share the spoils, …. transfer the commission to various overseas bank account …. make everyone happy except the people, ……

    • 1
      0

      Dr. DJ,
      “Reputed SL reporter of a different (more professional) vintage” – my foot!
      Take it from me – who lived in Los Angeles since 1979!

      This tabloid, Sri Lanka Express (originated by Deeptha Leelarathna) was an anti-Tamil rabidly racist third grade piece of crap !!
      He was sued left and right for publishing unfounded, sensational news items and went into hiding and put his wife Hassina to the front.
      This guy died a miserable man and the LA community – both Tamils and Sinhalese got together and helped out in the time of their misery.
      Hassina – has now grown some wings and continues to propagate racist hatred in her writings through that ‘good for nothing’ piece of s**t – calling herself an investigative journalist!!
      This stupid woman accused Prasad Kariyawasam of being on the payroll of USAID – when in fact Kariyawasam allegedly was involved with a private sector business with an acronym ‘DIA’ !!

      So, Dr. D.J – next time before you open your big mouth and put your ‘left’ foot in – please do some research and get your facts right!!

  • 10
    0

    Faraz carries Kili on his shoulders and attacks Ranil all the time. Faraz must sing for his supper.
    Sirasa/Sakthi/MTV have gone to the DOGS.

  • 5
    0

    Due to this ship deal, for opposing it, Karunasena Hettiarachchi lost his job as Defense Secretary, Travis Sinnaiya got only 2 months as Navy Commander without any extension and being the negotiator for the SL government as the Defence Ministry Procurement Facilitator, Lanka Logistics and Technologies Ltd’ Director Board was removed and company is going to be liquidated!

  • 3
    0

    Hello Rajiv thanks for yours.

    Obviously i don’t know enough of what you allege but it must cause a lot of concern that some people could get away with dastardly acts if the connections were right. I also believe there is a judicial system in place and those such as you could have used it to bring errant politicians to book at least when Ranil was out of power.

    What I meant to say with my piece above was that despite great provocation , the man remains calm and untouched and sees no reason to retaliate, despite having the entire state machinery at his disposal. In fact, MTV are free to spew forth their vitriolic propaganda from a position of safety which is an improvement on the situation that prevailed under the previous regime dont you think?

    That said, i believe it is time for Ranil to go, without overstaying his welcome. Whether he will have the good sense to do so or not, only time will tell.

  • 1
    0

    It is very funny , very very funny that the entire world want’s to govern Sri Lanka and dictate to Sri Lanka as to what it should and should not do.
    Does the world shove its dictates down the throats of other asian countries like India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and the like ??????? No !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    The leaders of these countries are outspoken men and don’t beat around the bush unlike Sri Lankan politicians who are corrupt to the very marrow of their bones and Poofters in their actions.
    Very soon all of Sri Lanka wont be able to Fart without permission from the world.
    Imagine not being able to Fart without permission and the consequences of it for the entire population of the country. Not very pleasant is it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • 1
    0

    Kili Maharajah and Kunjumani are the worst of Siresa Sakthi Ntwork. One behind the scene while the other operates on air. ”Russiagate” is pretty interesting and Kili alledged to have asked 10 Million US $ if the deal go ahead. Should be remanded along with Central Bank Mahendran.

  • 0
    0

    A battle between arms dealers and influence peddlers……………Wonder what CT’s connection is………..

    US is the biggest arms dealer in the world and it doesn’t give anything for free.

  • 1
    0

    The media is the biggest culprit in Sri Lanka. One of the big mistake of Yahapalana is granting so much freedom to the media in Sri Lanka where people are corrupt from bottom to the top. Giving media freedom without any control of judiciary will lead to a great disaster and no one can run a government in countries like Sri Lanka under this situation. If a media instituion reports something false it should be punished and if it continues the same its license should be cancelled. All parties should get together and pass the intended legislation in the parliament for the country to progress in future.

  • 2
    0

    That idiot Fraz who wears braces and pose off as an Englishman is no Larry king but a mouth piece of Kili Maharajah who has his fingers in every pie.Together with Sirisa Daniels, Maharaja Group is trying to create divisions in out country.I am certain when Mihanda and Gotahabaya comes back at the end of this year Kili , Faraz and his notorious group will have to flee Sri Lanka!!!!

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