A sum of over Rs. 86 million has been spent by Sri Lankan Airlines since 2009 without any consideration made regarding the return for the expenses, to fund the pet projects of Namal ‘baby’.
The BOI inquiry has revealed that due to lack of transparency in SLA’s policy on sponsorships, large sums had been approved as sponsorships by the former Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe and the former CEO Kapila Chandrasena for two specific annual events – the Carlton Rugby 7s and the Night Races.
SLA had spent a whopping Rs. 74,137,307 between the period of 2009 – 2014 both in terms of free tickets and promotional items for the Carlton Rugby 7s sponsored by Namal Rajapaksa’s ‘Tharunyata Hetak’ movement.
Meanwhile, for the Night Races, SLA has provided free cargo and free tickets in 2012 an 2013 and the BOI inquiry report notes that it’s not clear whether any form of advertising for the SLA was made in return. In fact, the ONLY return for the SLA expenses for the event had been access to a Corporate box, which the SLA itself had constructed spending over Rs. 2 million.
A further expense had been incurred by the SLA due to ordering food and drinks for the event for 125 pax.
Hence, a total of Rs. 12,380,361 has been expended in 2012 and 1203 by the SLA as their share of funding Namal baby’s projects, which in turn has escalated the total expenses made by the SLA to fund the two events to a Rs. 86,517,669.
The report further notes misappropriations were also committed with concern to awarding contracts to put up hoardings, of which most had been awarded to companies owned by close relatives of Rajapaksa. One such agency is Kumar advertising, which many are familiar with due to the plethora of hoardings that they sponsored and put up all over Colombo last year bearing images of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the infrastructure development carried out by the government as if their expenses were borne out of MR’s pocket.
The report noted; “Priya Epitawala, Manger Network Planning and Research, previously ( in 2011), Manager Advertising on examination stated Kaplia Chandrasena, former CEO introduced a person as the owner of Kumar Stickers.
“Epitahewa has on record indicated that the value of bids from other advertising competitors are comparatively low and she appeared to have been sidestepped.
She informed the BoI that, one day in 2011, the owner of Kumar Stickers had called her and said ‘we do Namal Babege campaign, we don’t have money and we help His Excellency also. Do your best and give us the best’. He also apparently said, if you do not help us, you will also face the same fate as Manoj. Manoj lost his job because he did help us he said.”
Read the full report below:
MsMaralathoni / April 9, 2015
how many more weeks we have to wait until these real thieves be convicted.
Poor Rajarata people had to die wihtout cleaning water to drink. Rathupaswala people went on protests and got killed and injured. These men born to Rajapakshe to loot the people s fund this way would boomerang as Karama. Ane Apoi for our hoipolloi so long they further stay blind against the men… Greetings from Rome
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Ben Hurling / April 9, 2015
There is enough evidence to throw Namal Raja into Remand Prison. Already tonight.
However, we lack men of back bone & integrity. To take care of it.
Cheers!
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Snowden Edward Asange / April 9, 2015
YES !! so long RW is the pilot of the government, NOTHING will happen, NO arrests will be made..its all a game.. they scratch each others back, while we the VOTERS are hoodwinked…
Come elections AKD should be made the PM, so that we have a third party and not the 2 most corrupt parties… IF WE the voters could send MR packing home, WE can do so to pack the whole present set and make a change, after all… those in parliament are OLD who have almost lived past their shelf life… lets infuse new blood and faces who r not corrupt and can think OUTSIDE the box…
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Ravi / April 10, 2015
MR is the most respected leader in our country, there is no two words about it.
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Patriot / April 10, 2015
MR the most respectable Joker in our country. The emperor without clothes and who go about not knowing it.
MR already a walking laughing stock among International community and the biggest Alibaba in Sri Lanka history awaiting jail term.
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worry / April 10, 2015
BH
Bogambara, Welikada, Boosa etc are for street vendors, poor farmers like simions, manning market poor workers like silvas. Who said it is for Namal, Gota, Basil, Yosithia,Mahinda, Nishantha, Kapila,Gabral, GLP, SB, Wimal, Mevin, Nishantha, Bandula, Ranjith, Gamini, Gammanpila, etc
Or may be to M3, Ranil, Ravi, etc…
The politicians, the political system, the judicatory, the rule of the country, critical thinking people, progressive thinking people, patriotic people are totally fucked up during the last 50 years, especially during Mahinda’s time.
May be in 2090, we may be have progressive thinking citizen in Sri Lanka. Until we have to march forward with “no rule”
Cheers
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Analyst / April 9, 2015
I have a feeling the desperation in the country for good governance is at the boiling point after reading the comments
from every piece of article. There is an urgency for the present government to resolve the problems created by the past government.
It is diabolical to note the crimes committed are already being covered up by certain individuals who are in positions still sucking up to the criminal dealings of the past. They too may have benefitted and trying to cover up.
Are there any honest law makers left in the country ? It’s the kind of merry go round situation.
There is a danger ahead. Due to the frustrations among the large majority who wanted the culprits banged up and it’s not happening. We are entering a critical situation of HOPE.
MS , RW and others need to be aware of this. Otherwise we might be drawn into a Revolution in SL.
This time it will be probably among the Buddhists .
Sounds ominous but it’s just a thought.
The Urgency to fast forward the cases and punish the crooks is the most needed job for the government.
People trusted And voted you Mr President. Please do not let the vast majority down.
If it’s too much for you step down and let someone else solve these CRIMES.
I’m only sorry to think that these mammoth tasks may be too much for you and your team.
12 years of cess Pitt needed to be cleaned And give us an honest clean hardworking Nation which we can proud of for us and for the future generations.
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Ravi / April 10, 2015
There is nothing to investigate, MR and the group were innocent and hard working and the present “Katakarayas” were so jealous and with the help of international crooks slung never ending mud at them to cast them out , but the ninety five per cent of the Sinhalese are still with MR.
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Analyst / April 10, 2015
Ravi. Are you in your Dreamland? How have you benefited from the last criminals .poor soul you have been bought by the family with blood in their hands.
I feel sorry for your ignorance. Please stop.fooling yourself.
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Analyst / April 10, 2015
By the way when was your friend let out of Prison
The picture above a Mug shot was taken before he was taken into prison? Such an ugly face.
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Snowden Edward Asange / April 9, 2015
whatever happened to Namal Baby’s Satakaya? its all a drama.. like him his uncle Basil too took the citizenry for a ride… but they will face justice sooner than later… this hood rat Namal needs to savor whats provided in prison and not the Hospital…He thought a day would never dawn where his dad will NOT be in power… too bad… now let him choke on whats shoved down his throat..
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Justice & Fairplay / April 10, 2015
Ms Maralathoni,
I have given up. Come the next elections, I WONT vote for anyone in the UNP. They are absolutely disgusting and thoroughly useless!!
They are going about, anticipating a win if not a landslide. Little do they know they haven’t a chance, because they are reading the feelings of the people all wrong.
People voted out the former regime mainly to see the crooks put away. Now we hear that Basil is coming to “assist” in his own investigations!!!
Not a single of these “looters” have been sent to even remand prison. Not even that moronic idiot, the former Sri Lankan airlines chairman !!!
Now the so called “crooks” very brazenly come out and say they are being “Harassed”. They will now turn it into a sympathy exercise and WIN votes on that !!! Several former cabinet ministers have tried to make out that they are being harassed and also their supporters.
This includes Booruwansa, citing his wife.
Sorry Mr Ranil W, I wont be voting for you because your mob is so lethargic in getting these crooks behind bars. Putting them away should have been the FIRST thing that should have been done. Relief packages could have been the next priority. But I guess you got the list of priorities all wrong.
Mark my words, I am not the only one whose patience has been taxed and whose support you have lost. The country is not ready to accept that some are more equal before the law than others.
Continue in your cuckoo land until the rug is pulled under your feet… Just wait and see.
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Ben Dover / April 9, 2015
I say arrest the bugger and hold him to account. He is, after all, a member of parliament and should as a representative of those who elected him, have known better than to exploit his privileged position as a son of the President and get such irregular donations from the national carrier bestowed on him for his pet projects that have taken the country nowhere but down the pallama….
Chee, Namal Baby you are a bloody disgrace.
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Amarasiri / April 9, 2015
RE: Sri Lankan Airlines Spent Over Rs. 86 Million For Namal ‘Baby’s’ Pet Projects
“A sum of over Rs. 86 million has been spent by Sri Lankan Airlines since 2009 without any consideration made regarding the return for the expenses, to fund the pet projects of Namal ‘baby’”
Sue him for all the costs for Cost Recovery by the attorney General or the Bribery Commissioner.
Can a Citizen Sue?
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Navin / April 9, 2015
If he pays, Amarasiri, that will be from other moneys he looted from the people.
So confiscate whatever he has, and let him atone for his sins, by donating his testicles to charity.
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Amarasiri / April 9, 2015
Navin
“So confiscate whatever he has, and let him atone for his sins, by donating his testicles to charity.”
What Charity in their right mind will accept his testicals? None.
His testicals can be donated to nedical reserach, to find out if it was, the water at Medamulana or St.Thomas College, Mt. Lavibia or the Sexuallt Tramitted discerses he picked and shared with others,
Then, do DNA analysis, and look for differences.
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mike / April 9, 2015
@ Navin
Are you implying that his ‘stuff’ is gold? That is an uncharitable suggestion, Navin. This bugger should be …… you know what I mean!
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Snowden Edward Asange / April 9, 2015
donate his testicles? u think there are people who would want that set of USELESS ones?
[Edited out] .
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Liyanage / April 10, 2015
Had his father done this 30 years ago, none of this would have happened.
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Amarasiri / April 13, 2015
Liyanage
“Had his father done this 30 years ago, none of this would have happened”
Had his father stuck it in the a** instead of in the v***** 30 years ago, none of this would have happened, and no Namal!
Unfortunately, this is Sri Lanka’s Karume or Destiny.
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sunil Gikiyange / April 9, 2015
nothing will be happened.
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Gaje / April 9, 2015
The whole country is saying “if these bugrs’ looted the country, why the bloody hell are you only holding on to their passports? “
there are 2 possibilities
1. As the government is trying to explain, they are collecting information to seal the coffins! But if they have looted by the billions, why does a petty thief who steals something worth 500 Rs be jailed? The drug barons like wele suda of course in jail, but the real barons behind him even with evidence so far revealed by government are out there and the addict caught with 50 grams of heroin is behind bars??
2. The second possibility is more palatable. The greedy sri lankan politicians in government who previously had questionable pasts, would have seen how to play out and are salivating to repeat the process! “We will make some fuss win some votes, win the election then you can see the Yahapalanaya! “
DEAR MY3 & RANIL ! People are no fools don’t think of winning elections this way THEY WANT SOMETHING TO ‘BITE ON ‘ SOMETHING SOLID LIKE JAYALALITHA IN JAIL!
WE DON’T WANT ANY OF THE RAJAPAKSES BACK! BUT YOU GUYS STRAIGHTEN UP THIS FOR THE PEOPLE TO SWALLOW.
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Tamil from the north / April 9, 2015
What an ugly piece of dog shit is this bugger, look at him and [Edited out]
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Maveeran / April 9, 2015
Not only this autistic looking baby elephant, but also the whole of Jarapaksha family look like dog shits. Incest Inbreds are the Rajapaksa Pawul. Till the whole Sinhala modayos been educated fully crooks like Horupaksha will be live a Luxury life in srilanka.
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shankar / April 9, 2015
The guys in the airline who sanctioned these expenditures should be prosecuted.namal baby must be given a grilling by the CD to recover the costs or go to jail.Same for the kumar stickers bugger.
The people are getting impatient.What the fuck is Ranil doing.Exposure after exposure but no action at all.he is going to be dumped by the people once more just like in 2000 and 2005.last chance for him to show some backbone or the people will consider him a [Edited out]
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T.A.KUMAR / April 9, 2015
Please Please why don’t you arrest Nishantha and Kapila before dissolution of parliament and take them to courts. Is it going to be you scratch my back and I scratch your back. You will find all honest professionals leaving this country.
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Paddy / April 9, 2015
We are getting tired of hearing all these accusations. We voted for action to be taken against the perpetrators. A snake, if you do not hit it on the head, will always come back to bite you.
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Heretic / April 9, 2015
A lot of information has been discovered about what was going on during MR.
Are the police and courts going to act or not? So far the legal action appears to be selective against the smaller fish and not the bigger fish.
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Burning Issue / April 9, 2015
Heretic,
You questioned the IQ levels of the Jaffna people! You should know that, people cannot be charged based on allegations and possible corruptions! The first step is to establish an inquiry and identify areas that need further investigation. This is exactly what the GOSL has been doing. GOSL must have credible evidence that will bring about convictions rather than performing a sideshow! Once the evidences have been gathered and they are deemed prosecutable I am sure there will be actions.
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Snowden Edward Asange / April 9, 2015
but it has taken almost a 100 days and nothing good has happened, all they did was to question a few, some at home, impound a few passports to hoodwink the masses…
MS was voted In coz WE the voters wanted MR and his family along with the cronies sent home never to see the Political light of day again…but sadly though none has been arrested… seems a power play is being played by some BIG govt rats.. it’s okay..a time will come for us VOTERS to send those who are obstructing justice to be sent home just like MR.. IF we could wait 10 yrs to send MR we sure can wait 5-10 more IF the need be.. to send those who do NOT deserve to be in parliament… NO amount of freebies or rice packets will buy votes no more… other than in the south…
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lakshman / April 9, 2015
This may only be a tip of the Iceberg.It would be appreciative if CT could obtain and publish the whole Inquiry report if possible
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maali karunaratne / April 9, 2015
What is the delay in taking action based on the findings of Weliamuna committee. Can a lawyer in this column explain the delay. Very frustrating for the public who voted for this government. At least the govt must explain to us the reasons for the delay in implementing this committee report. Blanket explanation saying that ” it takes a long time and facts had to be verified” is not satisfactory. Govt should explain as to why the delay in taking action based on the this Weliamuna report. Hope the commentators in CT can give a specific answer
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Rajiv de Silva / April 9, 2015
Now that there is real evidence of corruption and the BOI has recommended criminal prosecution of those responsible it is the duty of the government to charge them in courts as early as possible. Justice delayed is justice denied. God knows that the people of Sri Lanka need justice, fast.
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Thumpane Gamaya / April 9, 2015
To Ranil and the UNP team, please don’t come canvassing at the next parliamentary election without these bastards put behind bars for looting our money for their pleasure.
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JJ / April 10, 2015
What the SL people need to do is an ad campaign in regards to the curruption by thr pervious regime. Post full page ads on the daily periodicals and hold the current govt. accountable for the prosecution of the Mara clan. It has to be an island wide effort by all citizens interested in justice for SL. Starting point will be JVP and JHU to take the lead and funding for this activity. People power is an awesome tool.
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dcn / April 9, 2015
The Airlanka has been the grandfathers property for the privileged royal family and its folks!
The frauds committed are so many and complex and it is not easy to charge someone until all proper investigations are completed and the proper culprits and its accomplices identified. We also know the government of Ranil W with a minority in the parliament has also to fight against some of the pro MR agents in the government departments, police, security, etc at different levels.
We as ordinary citizens are looking for very quick action which is not forthcoming for above reasons
Which we have to understand and give our patient support to the Ranil W. However, there are so much corruptions committed which can be classified as ” whute collar” crimes and to investigate same , can’t the CID enlist the services of audit firms,, who have the right knowledge in this area and also computer knowledged persons. I believe this may assist the CID to expedite the conclusion of most of these frauds.
I also believe the Bribery commission is also loaded with so many complaints and hereto enlistment of private personnel as above would assist them.
The government may have to make a decision.
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Point of View / April 9, 2015
Royal ? My foot !
When people started calling these scumbags ‘royal’, they took it very seriously and thought blue blood is running in their veins.
These are an uneducated, uncultured and uncivilised lot with no shame !!!
I am sick and tired of looking at these faces. So nauseating……. There is nothing princely about this bugger ……… just a dumb idiotic look, just like his two paternal uncles – the rogue and the murderer !
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Sena / April 12, 2015
Hey Mr. dcn what kind of crap talk is this. The Weliamuni commission has exposed with evidence the criminal fraudulent activities of Nishantha the so called Chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines. These activities include using Air hostesses as comfort women to satisfy not only this perverts sex urges, but also his nephews and God only knows his pimping to give favours to his friends and associates in 3 luxury houses paid by the Airline. And this is only the tip of the iceberg. The use of the Airline as if it was his private property? Making bogus apointments of women as Loyalty so called Ambassadors to accompany him on spurious honeymoons to all sorts of exotic places like Dubai his crooked Sex and money laundering base.You Buggers have heard nothing , and fools like you dcn waits till Ranil, And Sirisena does the right thing while the hundreds of jokers like in Briberry Commision , Tax Department, Police the Judicary bides their time and wait till the sky falls down like “Chicken Little” in our well known childrens tale. The curse on all you houses you two timing frauds.We need action not pious excuses.
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Ebahtog / April 9, 2015
Wickremasinghe and Chandrasena should be arrested immediate and make them disclose who pressurized them to approve the two events or explain the reason and justify what they have done. If it was pressure from Namal Baba, them arrest him and then we can start talking. The problem is the Police, and they certainly will soil their trousers, when they see Nama Baba for reasons only known to them.
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JJ / April 11, 2015
SL should take an example from Korean Air flight that got the KL presidents daughter in jail for acting like an imbecile on a flight from NY to Seoul. They call her the nut lady. Got the aircraft turned around because she was served nuts in a bag over a plate.
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Peace Lover / April 9, 2015
well done CT for exposing these crooks
But here is my view and thoughts
i) people of this country wanted a change hence they voted this Goverment in thinking they will put all these crooks behind bars but this is not happening
ii)if Maithree does not put things right just like MR he too will be kicked out
iii)as for UNP and Ranil,they seems to have a double agenda and helping the Rakapaksas to go scot free,UNP can forget about the next elections
Now over to the paid coolies like Fathima Fukushima and K A Sumanasekera to put their 2 cents in
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Rabok / April 9, 2015
We are fed up of seeing these stories – but no action – either stop stories or take action against culprits
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Snowden Edward Asange / April 9, 2015
Seems like Sri-Lanka has joined the NATO already (NATO.. in this instance.. NO Action Talking Only)
Get these idiots by their balls. hang them n skin em in public at the Galle Face for wasting the money of the Public…
enough is enough.. there has to be a start.. lets start here… with the arresting of Namal baby and those at Sri-Lankan Airlines…
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Jagath Fernando / April 9, 2015
It is a clear case of all checks and balances failing.
Board of directors, CEO and management, Ministry, External auditor and internal audit all have failed!!!
Hopefully at least some of them will be taken to task.
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Japwatch / April 9, 2015
As Rabok stated, enough of publishing the misdeeds of this useless citizens of this country. Recover the monies, and punish them for their wrong deeds. If a citizen of this country fails to pay utility bills, they are not spared. So how come when millions are misappropriated this family of crooks are wandering freely. Bring them to the books.
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justice / April 9, 2015
With all this exposure of his profligacy at the expense of the nation, Namal R has the bloody brass to attend parliament, and his fellow MPs do not shun him – this is the most surprising shameless behaviour of our representatives so far, while they shout at everything else.
An ordinary man is locked up in remand jail for far less crimes.
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migara / April 9, 2015
This is a blessing in disguise, for the country and it’s people. With this formation of a upside down,complicated, wheels within wheels government,even the parliamentarians nor the PM will not have a clue what will come out as a result, Many people are so furious, frustrated and feel cheated or deceived. These next two weeks we will see most of the key politicians will have to call it a day, and you Mr Ranil Wickremasinghe your position is just hanging by a hair.
MY3 must take some bold decisions to shake the routes of Mahinda camp and the lot claiming to be in MY3, SLFP camp for mere survival.
People watching this is getting agitated for all the election barking and promises made..and the same lot you were so boldly accusing is mocking you..Mr.President stop dealing with the world and put your house in order.
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Leon / April 9, 2015
Are these hoardings really necessary and effective. Who takes them seriously?.
Go to any Western country,.Do you see hoardings in developed countries. They are an eyesore and should be banned.
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Daya Weerasinghe / April 9, 2015
And still nobodys arrested……,just a lots of bla,bla,bla.
What a load of crap.!!!
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Upul Gunawardena / April 10, 2015
How do these people walk on the streets of Sri Lanka? Every sensible person in Sri Lanka now know how these so called RAJAPAKSE CLAN and their henchmen looted the money of the taxpayers of SL. It’s a curse to this island nation to have this family rule the country. Please make sure that they will never ever get elected even to govern even a municipality. I hope that they will be punished by higher authorities even if they evade punishment by lethargic SL law makers.
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Justice & Fairplay / April 10, 2015
Upul Gunewardena, the problem is, there aren’t very many sensible people around! That is why these people still roam free!
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worry / April 11, 2015
Upul
You must be dreaming. How in the world nearly 49% of the crazy lunatics voted to this world class idiot Mahinda, although he looted this country from A to Z. And look at this Namal guy and his lunatic father’s faces. Do you think they have some thing call “Good Governance” Leadership” “Transparency” “Kindness” and “Vision”? Instead, definitely you see the followings: Modakama, Horakama, Vanchaakama, Pavkama, Kethakama, Merakama, Kudukama,Balukama, Waachchalakama, Walkama, right?
I believe in 2090, we will have progressive thinking people in Sri Lanka. Untill, lets march forward through all “kama”
Cheers
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Don / April 10, 2015
Sponsoring sports projects is quite common not only to Air Lines but also to all major Business enterprises all over the world, who will gain Advertising value which cannot be measured in terms of Rupees & Cents in the long run. This is another instance of attempted mud slinging at Rajapakse family. But now it is useless because the whole country is aware of the baseless allegations leveled against them which have not been proved at all. This is only good for those who are jealous & hate Rajapakse family.
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Justice & Fairplay / April 10, 2015
What an ugly mug shot!
Why doesn’t the bugger take a haircut?
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worry / April 10, 2015
Namal thinks he is bollywood Salman Khan. Khan is his closet role model. Khan is one stupid actor who represented MARA’s meeting and NARA is second stupid politician who brought Khan to Sri Lanka and he does not know what kind of BS he talks about “Tharunyata Hetak” All are extremely idiots
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LF / April 10, 2015
I agree with DCN. We must look at these practically. With a minority government it is not possible to do all what we expect within a short period although we would like to see speedy action. May be Government should start with Former Sri Lankan Chairman & CEO and take immediate action. We should not forget that there are grass eating idiots within our society who are still crying for Mahinda Rajapakse & the clan, despite all these findings.
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Tony Waters / April 10, 2015
The pervasive corruption and nepotism of the Rajapaksa regime was well known. I suspect the story of SLA is the story of Sri Lanka during those years, in a microcosm. What is so remarkable is its scale, and the sheer audacity it took to do so much of it in plain view. The President doubtless has relatives with other names as well, but the number of people with the same name as his who suddenly appeared in every nook and cranny of power was tantamount to shouting NEPOTISM from the rooftops. The subtext to all of this, of course, being the belief that they were untouchable.
As for being held accountable for their wrongdoing, Sri Lanka would not be alone in failing to prosecute criminals acts of former Presidents and their inner circle. Dick Cheney is still walking free, despite having boasted about the U.S. use of waterboarding, a technique specifically outlawed by The Geneva Conventions (“I am a big fan of waterboarding.) Time will tell whether this new government follows the rule of law.
By the way, if memory serves, brother Basil had to leave for the U.S. early on the Saturday following the election for a medical appointment (having failed to find a doctor closer to home). Does anyone know how appointment went, and when he may be expected back?
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malika / April 10, 2015
NATO – no action talk only Aiyo atleat suspend these criminals until further inquiry. Including the former chairman, kapila and Pradeepa hr fellow who talks high. They are a burden to the country living from our tax money…. Cant pay them anymore
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Thondamannar / April 11, 2015
MS + Ranil & new Govt following Uncle Sam…
Quote “As for being held accountable for their wrongdoing, Sri Lanka would not be alone in failing to prosecute criminals acts of former Presidents and their inner circle. Dick Cheney is still walking free, despite having boasted about the U.S. use of waterboarding, a technique specifically outlawed by The Geneva Conventions (“I am a big fan of waterboarding.) Time will tell whether this new government follows the rule of law.”
if this Govt want to act, begin with the “Badit Queen”
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