Connect with us

BIZ

Aliraja to buy state-owned shares in Telecom & Lanka Hospitals!

Published

on

It was reported that Lycamobile owner Subaskaran Aliraja, who has become the ultimate owner of three radio and television channels in Sri Lanka, has offered to buy state-owned shares in Sri Lanka Telecom PLC and Lanka Hospital PLC.

The Cabinet approved to sell the shares owned by the state in these two companies.

In a notification to the Colombo Stock Exchange, Sri Lanka Telecom PLC and Lanka Hospital PLC said that the sale of these shares will take place as recommended by the State Enterprise Reform Unit established under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy.

The Treasury holds 49.50% of the issued share capital of Sri Lanka Telecom PLC.

Meanwhile, 51.34% of the share capital of Lanka Hospital PLC is held by the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation on behalf of the State.

How Aliraja owned TV & Radio channels!

Aliraja is currently the owner of EAP Broadcasting Networks which operates two television channels including Swarnavahini and 3 radio channels. 

He also owns Sky Media Networks that operates two TV channels including Sitha TV and 3 Radio channels as well as Max Broadcasting Networks which operates one TV channel and radio channel each.

Although arrangements have been made to show this as a local investment, it is said that this is completely a foreign investment.

However, economists are of the opinion that Aliraja, who has made huge investments in the Indian film industry, taking over these media networks and telecom and communication networks will have a powerful impact on Sri Lanka’s national security and economy.

Swarnavahini deal

The media earlier reported how he invested money in Swarnavahini still remains a secret, and how he had credited the funds from an account which is not under his name to make the investment.

The State Intelligence Service informed the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) and the Ministry of Mass Media that several directors of the foreign company, which bought shares of the EAP Group of Companies including the ‘Swarnavahini’ media network which was facing a financial crisis, had maintained close connections with the LTTE.

The Ministry of Defence has informed the TRC and the Ministry of Mass Media on November 15, 2019 through letter number MOD / TEC / 01 / MGMR Network / 2019 (04).

A portion of the assets of EAP Group of Companies had been purchased for Ben Holdings Pvt Ltd.

How Subaskaran violated Companies Act

Today, this company has been able to indirectly obtain 60% ownership of Swarnavahini by violating the laws and regulations of Sri Lanka.

This is because Ben Holdings Private Company has bought 40% of shares while an individual by the name Alex Lowell has bought the remaining 20% of shares.

Meanwhile, 40% of the shares owned by Swarnamahal, EAP Films and other companies belonging to the EAP Business Group are owned by a Singaporean company, Blue Summit Capital.

It was revealed that three members of Ben Holdings Pvt. Ltd had direct links with the LTTE when the company was attempting to buy MGMR Networks owned by MGM Networks Pvt. Ltd.

Before buying a TV channel, the directors of the company that was making the purchase must obtain a clearance certificate from the Defence Ministry. Accordingly, this information was revealed when they were trying to get the relevant clearance certificate.

The directors were not required to obtain clearance certificates from the Defence Ministry when buying Swarnavahini since the license of the TV station was old.

It was revealed that  Subaskaran Aliraja, who was born in Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka and later moved to France and became a millionaire, has funded all parties including Ben Holdings Pvt. Ltd, Blue Summit Capital and Alex Lowell. 

He is said to be a strong financial supporter of the British Conservative Party and former Prime Minister John Major.

BIZ

CSE to close early for LG polls

Published

on

By

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has announced that trading hours will be shortened on May 06, in view of the Local Government Elections.

On that day, trading, which commences at 9.30am, will conclude at 12:30pm – two hours earlier than the usual closing time of 2:30pm.

The CSE stated that the decision was made to accommodate the convenience of investors, staff, and other market participants during the election day.

Continue Reading

BIZ

Coconut prices soar

Published

on

By

Consumers are struggling due to a sharp rise in coconut prices across the country.

Traders say large coconuts now sell for Rs.200 – 250, while smaller ones range from Rs.175 – 190.

The steep price hike is straining household budgets and impacting small businesses that depend on coconuts for daily food preparation.

Continue Reading

BIZ

More restrictions on vehicle imports eased

Published

on

By

The Ministry of Finance has issued a new gazette notification easing several more restrictions on vehicle imports, with effect from April 29, 2025.

The directive, issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, paves the way for the clearance of several types of vehicles that had been stranded at ports due to previous restrictions.

Commenting on the development, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Vehicle Importers’ Association Prasad Manage said: “We’ve been unable to clear these vehicles for the past one and a half to two months. With the new gazette, we can now release hybrid models such as the Toyota Raize and the Nissan X-TRAIL. Other hybrid vehicles using similar technology have also been approved for clearance.”

In a related move, the government has also lifted the ban on the import of unregistered new motorcycles. A separate gazette notification has been issued allowing the import of new motorcycles under a licensed import scheme.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved