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CID trying to sweep ‘lentil’ probe under rug: Two Aussies write to Prez!

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Inspector General of Police (CGP) C.D.Wickramaratne has been ordered to launch an immediate investigation into a written complaint made by two Australian citizens to President Ranil Wickremesinghe that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has tried to sweep the investigations related to a fraud of USD 243,610 under the rug. 

The letter addressed to the President was sent by Rajaratne Manoj Dushyantha and Maxwell Marvin Perera, the directors of the Australian company Bulk Buy Grains (Aus) Pty Ltd registered at Unit 11, 24-26 Carrick Drive, TULLAMARINE VIC 3043.

The two Australian businessmen had entered into an agreement with a company called Life Australia (Pty) Ltd at the address 52B1,Seewali Mawatha, Kothalawala in Kaduwela to send lentils from Australia to Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, Life Australia (Pty) Ltd has started a business of importing lentils to Sri Lanka, cleaning them, distributing them in Sri Lanka and re-exporting.

Life Australia (Pty) Ltd is said to be owned by Tharanga Sajeevani Perera.

The two Australian businessmen, who were unable to visit Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic, have conducted their business online.

In their letter, they said the Sri Lankan businessman had misplaced 10 containers filled with lentil sent from Australia. They came to Sri Lanka and lodged a complaint at the CID due to non-receipt of money for the containers.

They also said the lentil cleaning plant, which had been built from funds worth Rs.100 million sent by them, is also now missing.

After making a complaint to the Piliyandala Police, the two businessmen went to observe the venue along with the police officers.

A few days later, a man had complained to the Piliyandala Police saying that a group of people had trespassed his property and threatened him.

According to the letter, the CID had conducted investigations properly at the initial stage. However, the investigation officer has been removed from the CID today.

The two businessmen have informed the Australian High Commission, the Minister of Public Security, the Attorney General, the IGP and the Senior DIG (Western Province) in writing about the incident.

They requested the President to ensure that foreign investors are given due protection and treated fairly.

Meanwhile, an investigation carried out by Sri Lanka Mirror revealed that the Australian businessmen have alleged that the police investigation has been suppressed due to the intervention of Samuditha, the son of Sri Lanka Podujana Education Services Union President Wasantha Handapangoda who was arrested over violent incidents on May 9, 2022.

It was reported that Samuditha has exerted undue influence in this manner since he is to wed Tharanga Sajeevani Perera.

The letter sent by the two Australians to the President.

The lentil cleaning plant which is located at 52B1, Seewali Mawatha, Kaduwela.

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Parliament votes to debate VAT bill today

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The Sri Lankan Parliament has voted to debate the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill on today (Nov. 11).

The ruling party proposed that the VAT (Amendment) Bill be taken up for debate today, following the third reading of the appropriation bill.

However, as the opposition rejected the government’s move, the Speaker of parliament decided to call for a vote on whether the VAT (Amendment) Bill will be taken up for debate today.

Accordingly, a vote took place shortly after 9:30 am, with 92 votes in favour, 41 votes against and 01 abstention.

Earlier, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in a statement announced that they will vote against the VAT Bill.

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Kataragama chief custodian & grandson missing during Tiran’s visit

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The chief custodian (Kapu Mahattaya) of the Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya and his grandson (who is currently the custodian in charge of the Devala store room), have disappeared from Kataragama, reports say.

Last week, the Attorney General instructed to arrest the duo over a 38-pound gold offering that had gone missing from the Devalaya. The offering had been made by the wife of former underworld leader – Angoda Lokka.

Accordingly, the chief custodian – Dhurandara Somipala Ratnayake and his grandson – Saman Priyantha or Chuti Kapu Mahathaya, who is in charge of the temple’s storeroom, are to be arrested.

Meanwhile, the duo had not turned up when the Acting IGP – Deshabandu Tennakoon and Minister of Public Security – Tiran Alles had visited the Kiri Vehera and Kataragama Devalaya on Dec. 09 for religious observances.

Only 03 other custodians had been present at the Devalaya during that time.

A custodian had informed higher officials that the duo had recently left for another province, with plans to appear in courts through lawyers’ intervention and amid political support.

Related News :

Chief custodian of the Kataragama Devalaya to be arrested

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Consumer Protection Act to be amended to prosecute rice hoarders

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The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) is to be amended in a bid to prosecute rice hoarders, reports say.

The current provisions of the CPA only allows officers of the Consumer Affairs Authority to inspect and prosecute persons and institutions who sell at higher prices.

It does not empower the CAA officers to prosecute persons hiding rice or other foodstuffs or to inspect such places.

This has been discussed at a Cabinet meeting and the state owned ‘Daily News’ reports that necessary amendments of this Act will be submitted to the Cabinet next month.

(Source : dailynews.lk)

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