President Maithripala Sirisena ordered officials to suspend the services of his Chief-of-Staff I.H.K. Mahanama and the Chairman of the State Timber Corporation P Dissanayaka who were caught by the Bribery Commission while accepting a bribe of Ra 20 million from an Indian businessman.
Mahanama and Dissanayaka
The suspects apparently had solicited Rs 540 million from the businessman promising that they would provide him with approvals necessary to obtain machinery and building space for his business. The price is alleged to have been negotiated down to Rs 100 million.
The Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered that the suspects be remanded until next Thursday (9th).
anonymous / May 4, 2018
Freeze all assets of the two and MY3 until proven innocent. Caught with the money, so no escape. Even MY3’s chance of continuing in office is slim. He has to resign ASAP and let RW take over as the caretaker Prez until the Executive Presidency is abolished.
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AshyD / May 4, 2018
YES !
The President has to resign. Time to bring a NO CONFIDENCE MOTION against him.
UNP back benches time to Strike, when the iron is hot.
Good time to send Sirisena to the coldroom.
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nosey parker / May 4, 2018
Anon
From the frying pan into the …… ?
/
old codger / May 4, 2018
The Indian businessman would have to make a billion in profits to make it worth while. What is he investing in? A casino?
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Native Vedda / May 5, 2018
old codger
–
What are the chances of these two alleged crooks being kept in remand prison, proper investigation carried out, charges being brought against them, being convicted at the court of law, poisoned for many years, all their assets investigated, … banned from holding public or private office, …………………..
–
/
Spring Koha / May 5, 2018
Native Vedda
No chance! Rumours are that Mahanama is contemplating changing his name to Mustapha (together with the obligatory surgical procedure) and then maybe a swift over-ruling by the malleable Prez. will end the matter.
/
Native Vedda / May 5, 2018
Spring Koha
–
“No chance!”
–
Thanks, very gratifying.
For a moment I thought and feared the country is going experiment with truth.
Thanks for your assuring comment.
/
old codger / May 5, 2018
S.K,
” over-ruling by the malleable Prez.”
There is a difference between being malleable and being an invertebrate.
/
old codger / May 5, 2018
NV,
This looks like a sting operation by the Ranil-controlled Bribery Commission . Most unlikely that M.S knew about it (the operation, not the bribe)
/
Brainmaster / May 4, 2018
Could it be, that My3 intended to get his share our of this deal ? Or was he unaware of it ?
/
Ben Hurling / May 4, 2018
While I am glad these two thieves are behind bars, I do not trust Sirisena. He is not fighting corruption. This is window-dressing to bamboozle the public fury. At Sirisena’s suspicious lethargy in fighting corruption. Which, was by far the strongest platform, upon which Sirisena talked his way onto Sri Lanka’s Presidency. Now Siriseana is colluding with all sorts of SLFP thieves, present, and past, including that paranoid, blood-thirsty, criminal Gota. All to solidify his own power, secure corrupt SLFP and his own future. Time for Sirisena to START PACKING. 2020 is just around the corner. Cheers!
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Emil van der Poorten / May 4, 2018
Ben Hurling:
This might sound like eating humble pie, given that I seldom am in agreement with what you have to say, however, you are right on the money – this disgraceful man must go. Perhaps he can join the JO since it is on record that he has been in consultation with that organization’s hierarchy!
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Justice and Fairplay / May 4, 2018
It is Sirisena who should have resigned, not sacking hlis subordinates.
Not to worry; these two worthies would be back in a different guise in a few weeks, probably with a promotion. That is the yahapalana way.
Our president I am afraid has lost all his credibility and makes Rajapakse look increasingly like manna from heaven.
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Justice & Fairplay / May 5, 2018
In case I havent made myself clear, the President should have, pursued corruption as promised, far more vigorously right from the start of his term. Given the current turn of events we – the apolitical persons – have to conclude (even unfairly) that all this is only hogwash unless the President shows his clear intent that the Law in this land applies to all equally. There are plenty of thieves, murderers, plunderers, con-men, cheaters, Human rights violaters and confidence tricksters all over the place giving the President ample opportunity to deliver on his promise. Through the inaction of his government, we are forced to conclude that Past Ministers, Soldiers, Laymen, offending Priests, offending Ranaviruwos, MPs, Service Chiefs et al, are in fact squeaky clean, and it is only these two officials who have been plain bad!.
Any top official should be thoroughly screened before appointment. This has obviously not happened and it shows up a pathetically unprofessional recruitment procedure which can even be a danger to the security of the State.
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Native Vedda / May 5, 2018
Ben Hurling
–
Even after 70 years of independence I am yet to see an honest politician, state functionary, academic, army personnel, trader, farmer, policeman, teacher, ……………
–
Do you know the reason why this island is suffering from shortage of good and honest people although Sinhala has been the official language since 1956 and Sinhala/Buddhism has been given the foremost place in the constitution, LTTE is no more, IPKF had gone back to Hindia, Chelva, Amir, Ashraff, Rohana, Prabha …. all dead and gone, …………….?
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Paul / May 5, 2018
Who else can the masses vote for? There are no honest leaders available.
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thrishu / May 5, 2018
RW taking over as President? You must be joking……… even Saradiyel is better for that role than the ring leader of the gangsters that robbed the central bank.
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thrishu / May 6, 2018
hahaha………. Clearly this den is full of thieves benefitting from RW’s proceeds
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Amarasiri / May 5, 2018
“President Maithripala Sirisena
RE: Sirisena Orders Sacking Of His Chief-Of-Staff And Timber Corp Chairman Accused Of Bribery.
“President Maithripala Sirisena ordered officials to suspend the services of his Chief-of-Staff I.H.K. Mahanama and the Chairman of the State Timber Corporation P Dissanayaka who were caught by the Bribery Commission while accepting a bribe of Ra 20 million from an Indian businessman.”
Wow!
Rs. 20,000,000 in US $ 20M/156 = US $128,205.13.
Can you go after more crooks? The Land of Native Veddah Aethho seems to be infested with local Para-crooks from India, who arrived in earlier times, and now they are taking bribes from New Para-Crooks from India.
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shankar / May 5, 2018
“Freeze all assets of the two “
and pigs will fly too.
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Percy / May 4, 2018
The headline contradicts the body of the report unless we are to believe that sacking and suspension are the same!
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Plato. / May 4, 2018
Both automatically qualify to enter Parliament.
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Emil van der Poorten / May 4, 2018
Plato:
Thanks so much even though it was stating the obvious!
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Steve / May 4, 2018
May be the Chief of Staff was not scientifically appointed.
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shankar / May 5, 2018
steve
cheers for sirisena’s recruitment skills.One of the qualities of great leaders is they are able to identify the right people for the right jobs.
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soma / May 5, 2018
He was the only scientifically appointed. He has prior experience in the job. What more do you want? A degree in bribery and corruption?
“May 5 (Island) Two civil society organisations, said Sirisena-Wickremesinghe administration owed an explanation to the general public as to why Dr. T.H.K. Mahanama had been appointed the Chief of Staff of President Sirisena, in spite of a serious allegation against him that he deliberately delayed a USD 100 mn project to establish a new sugar factory and interfered in the Cabinet approved sale of discarded…”
Soma
/
Native Vedda / May 5, 2018
somass
–
Even after 70 years of independence I am yet to see an honest politician, state functionary, academic, army personnel, trader, farmer, policeman, teacher, ……………
–
Do you know the reason why this island is suffering from shortage of good and honest people although Sinhala has been the official language since 1956 and Sinhala/Buddhism has been given the foremost place in the constitution, LTTE is no more, IPKF had gone back to Hindia, Chelva, Amir, Ashraff, Rohana, Prabha …. all dead and gone, …………….?
/
Naman / May 4, 2018
The dream of Sri Lankan’s has been on how they can make quick money by hook or crook by being a Politician/ Thug/ Businessman/ stooges to Politicians etc etc.
The country is a cursed one since Independence. Democracy as practiced by Lankans has not produced Peace and Prosperity.
The New Constitution should bring in severe Penalties for Hate crimes and Bribery and protection for all the minorities-Religious or Race.
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Thengai Srinivasan / May 4, 2018
During Bond Scam Sirasa and other Channels went to town day and night 24×7.
How come the media is silent on this complex issue
why why!!
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Kalu Nangi / May 5, 2018
Sirasa is, for a moment, lost for words!
However, the grapevine reported that the top man held a closed door meeting with his mud slingers and crafted the following ‘Breaking News’ –
“Ranil receives loot collected by Mahanama and Timber Boss”
At the moment, they are having a brain storming session to add flesh to this item and to make it more juicier…
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old codger / May 5, 2018
Kalu Nangi,
I hear Faraz and Rusiripala , aided by breathless female presenters, will argue that the operation was illegal without the President’s knowledge.
Dayan in a separate item, will show how this is an evil plot by RAW , and how Gramsci, Fidel, and Stalin handled such situations with his assistance.
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Kalu Nangi / May 5, 2018
Ha… Ha… Interesting Scenario!
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shankar / May 4, 2018
why that odd number 540?Why not 500?40 for whom,and why such a large sum for only two people?Thre must be others involved.
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MAMS / May 4, 2018
Wow! How much would have been the cut for big man ? MR, BR, GR must be wondering how their ten year records are being broken by a novice just in three years ? Soon banana republic will be the talk of town.
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Jim softy / May 4, 2018
MAMS – Mamasinhalam, why you sinhala people have so much hatred towards Rajapakses and you want a piece of the banana republic.
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Mallaiyuran / May 4, 2018
Nothing but the guys might have fallen sick. So they told their boss that they want to a hospital free admission. That is why he wants to send him to hospital.
This is probably they may don’t like the Indian Business man! Boss may want to give the contract to Chinese or Russian Businessman.
Yahapalanaya guys can’t fool anybody anymore. Colombo Media is reporting Thajudeen killers will be walking out of hospital soon as there are no witnesses.
Ministers are increased but we did not see the new term of SLFP_UMP agreement to National Unity Government.
Nobody knows the status of the dissident of the 16 SLFPyers.
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Naman / May 4, 2018
Are the public servants are taking BRIBES on the instructions of their MASTERS?
The % commissions are shared—
When Major projects such as Road building; Port Projects: buying MIGs; fighter ships etc etc are undertaken.
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thumpane gamaya / May 4, 2018
both these rogues are supposed to be Civil Servants in the administrative service. This is a classic example of our civil service….most of them are corrupt….ideally foreign nationals must be appointed to our civil service to clean up the system
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Ruwan / May 4, 2018
corruption runs deep in most of our government institutions, what we see is the tip of the iceberg, the game is mostly played with the blessings of the higher ups that is only until you don’t get caught once you are caught the top will wash their hands and make you swim alone! MR,RW will never let their man down.
Having said that however I don’t agree with any of these jokers they are all the same when its come to corruption.
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Douglas / May 4, 2018
The President has ordered the “Suspension” of the two suspects. There is no “Suspension” applicable to the Chairman of the Timber Corporation. That is a “Political Appointment” ; as such he should be REMOVED IMMEDIATELY and nothing LESS – Mr. President. The other man is a “RETIRED” public servant. Therefore he must be on a “Contract” appointment. Just CANCEL that contract and SEND HIM HOME. Why talk and “ORDERS” of “SUSPENSIONS, (BS). Now, please don’t play another “Game” like in “Mirissa” case. Now comes the Judiciary. The two “suspects” were taken into custody in the “ACT” of accepting the “Bribe”. The GIVER and the TAKERS are into custody of the LAW OF THE LAND. Please don’t allow this matter to be DRAGGED by both the Law Enforcement ( AG & others relevant) and the DEFENSE Legal “COMMUNITY” for years and years. The Law Enforcement must waste no time to frame charges and the case must be scheduled to TRIAL on a priority basis. The “DEFENSE LAWYERS” must not be allowed to PLAY delay tactics. The Judges must NOT send them to “Five Star Hospital Custody” but REAL REMAND PRISON; and NO bail and suspension of travel abroad; but later to be lifted allowing them to “Escape” and thereupon to be issued with Interpol Arrest Red Warrants” costing enormous sum of money of Tax Payers. That is the simplest and the most STRONGEST SIGNAL to be given to the CROOKS (including those waiting trials) and also show the STRENGTHS of both the Executive and most notably the JUDICIARY. That is the ONLY way FORWARD for YAHAPALANAYA Government and Governance.
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Sinhala_Man / May 5, 2018
Douglas,
.
I had already posted a response to EvdP in the early hours, then returned to his article, may be 5.00 a.m. on the 4th April when I saw what you had said and browsed the web, to find this bribery story. Thereafter I made two more comments there.
.
While there can be little doubt that these two are guilty, the comments and thumbs here seem to indicate that few, like me, are willing to take all at face value. Would a man of Mahanama’s intelligence have naively fallen in to such a simple trap, unless there’s more to this? He’s a little under 60 years, and been in many responsible positions before. I checked all that after I first met him in July 2015. Little of a personal nature on the web, apart from his dob, and date of recruitment to the CAS. PhD seemed to be from Mangalore University in Management. Speaking to others waiting to meet him that day (one is faced with the problem of whether to speak in English or Sinhala – advantages and hazards, both ways!) , I got the feeling that he was respected.
.
As I’ve already observed, his ability to study a problem and find a simple and honest solution impressed me no end.
.
What of Piyadasa Dissanayake? Was he Private Secretary or (Permanent) Secretary to Chandrika? Perhaps the former. He been in that position even after MaRa became President.
.
Existing comments may be right feeling that this is going to be a show trial, without addressing much greater scams.
.
We’ve got to think seriously about a new Party to be led by Nagananda or similar person.
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Sadhu / May 4, 2018
To all Srilankans:
Did anyone of you hear about corruption during Pirabakaran’s rule in North and East ? No. Not at all. North and East was crime free under him. No theft corruption murder and sexual offences. Women walked without fear on the streets, even late at night. Above all corrupted Tamil politicians were hiding in Colombo or south India, never stepped in North & East. Those areas were free from political mosquitos. Those were golden days to ordinary Tamils but corrupted armed forces and politicians from all three communities killed him to continue with their crime of robbing the country by any means that include kidnap torture killings etc.
South needs a Pirabakaran now. Urgently very urgently !!
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Percy / May 5, 2018
Ask Velu to come out of hiding in the Vanni with his hands up.A white flag sticking from his backside may help but he runs the risk of being shot AGAIN like a dog! The yearning foe Velu alive or dead is incredible.
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Native Vedda / May 5, 2018
Percy pathetic
–
“Ask Velu to come out of hiding in the Vanni with his hands up.”
–
Didn’t Jagath chop his head and Shavendra explore his anus with a hot iron rod and Dr Gota confirm his death?
–
Even 9 years after his death VP the psychopath is still controlling your thought, words and actions. He must the greatest psychopath Sri Lanka ever had including Rohana, Dr Gota, … .
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Mallaiyuran / May 4, 2018
“Indian Trader, Closed factory, Bribery Commission” This sound like some trap against New King. He is still on watch by PM Modi.
The truth is even after Dilrukshi gone, there is still somebody in Bribery working against New King. He has to identify the Blacksheeps and weed them. Until then, all what he can do is making this kind of proclamations & keep saving his face after caught red handed.
If New King wants honestly to order the suspension of guy whom he brought two three months ago, then Ponny could have been the Law and Order Minister and ordered it too.
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Buddhi Perera / May 4, 2018
MS who safeguards MR, his family and cohorts, is trying to score by punishing these two men.
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Jim softy / May 4, 2018
People are hysterical about corruption. Only problem is there are dirty hyenas , in the middle of these, who wants the bond thief leader taking over the govt and weak executive president be abolished.
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Thanga / May 4, 2018
The arrest of two high ranking officers shows the extent of corruption in high places. In this case just under the nose of the President himself. This might not be the
first time these two officers have accepted a staggering amount of Rs.540 (($3.43 million) as bribe. There must be other cases where they must have sought and obtained bribes without getting caught. The arrest also demonstrates how the top echelon of the government treat the anti-bribery campaign by the government. They must be thinking it is a big joke. Corruption is widespread in all facets of life in Sri Lanka. The Police, Customs, Prisons, Schools, Motor Traffic Departments etc. are notorious for rampant corruption. A few sprats are caught once in a way, but the practice of corruption continues unabated. The problem is that with each passing day, bribery and corruption spreads wider and deeper to the point that it has turned endemic like dengue.
The Government itself do not set an example to others. Appointing over 47 Ministers including the President as well as Prime Minister, 24 State Ministers and 21 Deputy Ministers is in itself is a form of corruption. An MP who was appointed as a Deputy Minister claims he would have secured a Minister’s post had he gave a bribe. This he said in public for all to hear.
Instead of paying lip service for the eradication bribery, the government must set an example by keeping its hands clean and untainted. This is not the present state affairs of the cuntry presently.
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Grammarian / May 4, 2018
It appears that you have not got your language and grammar of your comment checked by the guy you usually go to. Don’t worry. The substance is intact.
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shankar / May 5, 2018
thanga
“the present state affairs of the cuntry presently.”
you are right.This is not a country anymore but a cunt.
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Siri / May 4, 2018
This shows the caliber of the people our Lilly white and holy cow President keeps company with. All is not good at the top, and many skeletons might fall down soon of this saga when investigators dig deeper. All Karma, when one dig holes for others, he falls accidentally into it.
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wannihami / May 4, 2018
This looks like a set-up. Some thing rotten in the State of Denmark.
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Native Vedda / May 5, 2018
wannihami
–
“This looks like a set-up. Some thing rotten in the State of Denmark.”
–
I thought you are sober, cleaned up, have stopped using recreational stuff, ………….
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razt / May 4, 2018
this may not be the first instant where they solicited bribes authorities should check their past activities.. cease all assets they own..
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K.Pillai / May 4, 2018
The two are Cabinet material – does not matter which side of the fence they are in.
Ever wondered where they are bred?
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Ruwan / May 4, 2018
It is my thinking that we can’t only blame the wrongdoer here that is the two officials, the higher ups in this establishment is also to be blamed.
In this case what I believe would have transpired is that the guy higher above the two official would have got them involved in deal making process If and when things go wrong ( in this case getting caught) the man above will not stand by the two but slip away showing to the entire country he is not involved. This new trend was not practiced during MR and RW.
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Uthungan / May 8, 2018
“In this case what I believe would have transpired is that the guy higher above the two officials would have got them involved in deal making process. If and when things go wrong (in this case getting caught) the man above will not stand by the two but slip away showing to the entire country he is not involved.”
You are correct Ruwan, the voice of a little bird was heard to echo down the grapevine that the guy higher up in a panic tore his hair yelling ‘I am finished,I am finished as he dashed the particular file on the floor.
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Mallaiyuran / May 5, 2018
Unlike Ranil’s hide and seek on mahendran’s matter, this guy quickly ordered to fire the guys. He properly fearing of what he did to Ranil with Mahendran. That is the easy part for a Appa eating Judas. But can he hire acolytes in future? Commentators suggesting he will come around and save them. Let’s wait and see.
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Bruz / May 5, 2018
No need to get excited or surprised..we must not forget that we are in Sri Lanka and this is how things happen and happening for quite some time. All are in the ‘money making game’
We shouldn’t make a big fuss about it, after all.
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watcher / May 5, 2018
Interesting point is BC told the president beforehand about the deal with out mentioning the names and president approved the go ahead. After they were arrested, the President has been informed of the incident and subsequently the President has instructed the Commission, without any opposition, to take necessary legal actions.
Is this new SL?
BTW, Kanthale sugar factory only active 6 months per year and business people who try to get this going for the whole year was blocked by the rogues.
There is a major solar grid project funded by a major german bank is coming to SL in July this year and already some are agitating against this due to wested interest on inefficient run electricity board.
If we create mega solar plants we can at least support the grid by at least 20%. I am looking for a local business interest for this.
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The Sinopian / May 5, 2018
We are happy that the SLAS is maintaining proper standards – No 1000/2000 rupee bribes like cheap traffic cops. Its 100/200 million for them. And of course the deal is not put through in a wayside tea boutique. Its Five Star Hotels for them. Keep flag flying at all times. We are proud of you.
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K.Pillai / May 5, 2018
The money paid to Adult Actress Stormy Daniels to buy her silence was US$130,000/- [SLRs20.2 million give or take]
The bribe demanded SLRs540 millions negotiated down to SLRs100 millions. Part payment in the carpark SLRs20 millions (to each?). How many Lankans handle this kind of money? Mind boggles.
Most Lankan families survive on SLRs5000/- per year.
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Yohan Thambimuttu / May 5, 2018
Killi Capital Mahendran alias Sirasa is still trying to protect the Polonnaruwa GS.
I did not see Faraz and the cheap media coolies at Sirasa shedding more light into the mega scam.
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Amarasiri / May 6, 2018
President Maithripala Sirisena,
Through the Grape Vines, Bulath Vines and Vettila Vines…..
Dr. Mahanama who was a monk, a socialist , had a doctorate was ideally qualified to be an elusive crook – his putrid antecedence
The putrid antecedence was delved into and discovered by the Bulath Vine inside information division , of Dr. I.H.K. Mahanama the chief of staff of the president who was caught red handed when receiving a bribe of Rs.20 million on behalf of president Gamarala as advance out of a promised full sum amounting to Rs.100 million (Rs. 540 million was originally demanded as bribe )
His place of birth is Kithalagama , Matara. His name at birth was Indikatiya Hewa Kusumadasa. Believe it or not , unless it is a joke , he was a monk during his young days. His name then was Kithalgama Mahanama .While wearing the robe he entered the Kelaniya University and secured a degree in economics. Lo and behold ! what happened thereafter ? he gave up his robes , and changed his name again to Indikatiya Hewa Kusumsiri Mahanama.
While he was in the University he was a staunch JVP activist- imbued with socialism . After his University career , he somersaulted to the SLFP. Thereafter , he successfully completed the SLAS examination , and his first appointment was as Agalawatte district secretary. Subsequently during the period of president CHandrika through the SLFP connections he secured a secretary post under her. His wife too at that time worked in Chandrika’s secretariat……..
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Sinhala_Man / May 6, 2018
Thanks, Amarasiri,
.
As I’ve already said, I had met him as Secretary, Ministry of Lands, on the 22nd of July 2015, without knowing anything about him.
.
I subsequently scoured the Internet for personal information but could find little except that he had been recruited to the administrative service on the 2nd of May 1985, and his date of birth, which I haven’t noted. I’ve looked at that letter I wrote him. His PhD appeared to be in Development Economics and was from Mangalore University. I have elsewhere said that I wondered what language to address him. It was English that I used, and he was quite at ease with the language.
.
My experience with him was so good that I wrote thanking him. So, I’m personally sorry for him.
.
However, what all this emphasises is that corruption is so endemic now that one doesn’t know where it will surface. And all investigation has to be objective with action being quick.
.
So, this is where you got all that information from:
.
https://www.facebook.com/lankaenews/posts/1861417200590103
.
My fear is that this prosecution will be used to say that everything is being investigated – which may not be the case.
/
MsMaralathoni / May 6, 2018
I think in today s context, people are not used to differentiate the cases.
They those work for Rajapakshes hype up these issues to mitigating their issues.
I think people have to learn that the high crimes perpetrated by the direct patronage of Rajapakshe men were beyond all levels.
There people stayed mum just because of the threat could come on them. : Whitevanning and others.
Alone the Bank robbery is multiple times lesser than all the high crimes and grabs Rajapakshes made. No doubt, all levels of crimes should be punished, but Media men to behave double standard is no mean bearable.
Media is caught by Rajapakshe men even today. Govt is changed, but media continued their support to Rajapakshe for some servile hidden agendas.
Even a fart drop by Rajapakshe has been on the headlines of Derana Naalikawa.. today. .. they dont care about the achievememtns made through 19 Amendment.
People believe anything and everything what those media prostitutes and sirasa parrrots have to add.
They are so biased.
If they have guts, why not they could yet bring Rajapakshes to a discussion table ?
International media men question why Rajapkshes have been protected by MEDIA men in the country.
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Leonard / May 5, 2018
Memo to
[Chief-of-Staff I.H.K. Mahanama and the Chairman of the State Timber Corporation P Dissaanayake]
Three steps to be taken immediately to get out of this mess.
Contact Arajuna Mahendran ASAP via RW’s private phone for advice, contact Arajuna Aloysius for information how to destroy all phone records and Text messages, make a booking with Singapore private hospital for urgent life threatening medical treatment.
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Lone Wolf / May 7, 2018
Leonard,
.
“make a booking with Singapore private hospital for urgent life threatening medical treatment.”
.
Life threatening treatment is available in SL.
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Lenonard / May 8, 2018
Is quack Doc Iliantha White whit still practicing?
/