The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI), which was appointed to investigate irregularities in the Edirisinghe Trust Investments (ETI), has revealed that ETI properties had been sold illegally.
The PCoI said that money has also been laundered during the sale of the properties.
The commission has indicated that the government can seize the property and take legal action against the Edirisinghe family under the criminal law.
This PCoI was appointed in January 2020 by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to find out if irregularities had taken place when selling properties owned by the ETI group, with the intervention of the Central Bank, to pay back the depositors.
The Commission was headed by former Supreme Court Judge K.T. Chithrasiri and included former Solicitor General Suhada Gamlath and senior banker D.M. Gunasekara.
Meanwhile, this commission has also been entrusted to find out whether the sale of Swarnavahini media network to several companies including Ben Holdings is against the law.
The President has given instructions to relevant departments to take necessary actions regarding the commission’s recommendations.
The office-bearers of Ben Holdings at the time of the purchase of Swarnavahini.
A threat to national security!
Meanwhile, media reports earlier revealed that the State Intelligence Service had warned that several directors of the foreign investing company which obtained shares of the EAP owned ‘Swarnavahini’ media network, have direct links with the LTTE.
On November 15, 2019, the State Ministry of Defence had informed the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and the Ministry of Mass Media of this through the document number MOD / TEC / 01 / MGMR Network / 2019 (04).
A portion of the assets belonging to EAP Group of Companies was purchased by Ben Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd.
The company has been able to indirectly obtain 60% ownership of Swarnavahini, violating the laws and regulations of Sri Lanka.
It was also revealed that three prominent figures at Ben Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. have direct links to the LTTE when the company was in the process of purchasing Max TV owned by MGMR Networks.
Before the deal was processed, directors of the purchasing company required a clearance certificate from the Ministry of Defence and this information was revealed during the clearance process.
However, the security clearance process had not been required during the Swarnawahini deal because the license of the media channel was not obtained recently.
It was later revealed that Lyca Group Chairman Subaskaran Allirajah had provided funds for Ben Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd, Alex Lowell and Blue Summit Capital to obtain Swarnawahini shares.
Allirajah is also said to be a strong financial supporter of the British Conservative Party and former UK Prime Minister – John Major.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Mirror previously reported that there is a risk of EAP Group of Companies being confiscated based on this situation.
A post is also circulating on social media regarding this information.
The post is shown below
Interesting developments
Meanwhile, it was interesting to note that the members of Maha Sangha presented Vishwa Keerthi, Sri Abhimana, Sri Janaranjana Deshabhimana award to Lyca Group Chairman Allirajah at the historic Sri Purvarama Vihara, Matara recently.
The award is said to be given on the basis of meritorious service, talent and conducting an exemplary life.
The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.
Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.
Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.
S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.
The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.
The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.
Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.
When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.
The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.
Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.