I knew nothing: Ravi

2 August 2017 05:25 pm - 132 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Foreign Affairs Minister Ravi Karunanayake, who appeared before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Bond Issuance, said he did not know that the penthouse he and his family were residing in for nine months was paid for by the Perpetual Treasuries (PT) Pvt. Limited owned by Arjun Aloysius.

At the cross examination of the Judges at the Commission today, the Minister said he only came to know of the payments when the issue was raised in Parliament.

He said that Aloysius had paid cash through his company as the owner of the residence did not want to lease out the penthouse to a politician.

The Minister said he didn’t play any role in the transaction and that his wife and the daughter were the ones who found the house.

"I knew nothing," he said.

When asked whether he knew Perpetual Treasuries was paying for the penthouse, he said he wouldn’t have settled in the house had he known due to the ‘conflict of interest’.

Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe

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Comments - 132

Ayyo Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:02 PM

So the world's best finance minister didnt know who was paying his rent? Wow.... can someone ask hims if he knows that as foreign minister if he is aware that sri lanka is not a colony of UK anymore....

Maniya Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:21 PM

In Sri Lanka its easier to get away with corruption worth billions and day light Murders if you say just two things in courts "Mata Mathaka Ne" "Mama Danne Ne"

dp Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:37 PM

oops!! i don't remember where i was staying the past few months..was i staying with another family??

IK Thursday, 03 August 2017 07:30 AM

Recently the President said, he wouldn't stay in an unclean government.

Huna Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:32 AM

And the rent was 1.4 millions per month. Ravi didn't bother ask his wife "Darling how are you paying the rent? " :)

Shane Croner Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:39 AM

As an anti corruption initiative Could the Daily Mirror commence an sms campaign to the President to get rid of corrupt politicians.

Jagath Leanage Thursday, 03 August 2017 02:13 PM

Is he a relation of Duminda de Silva?

chris Thursday, 03 August 2017 04:20 PM

Did RK think the owner allowed his family to occupy the apartment free of rent? I wonder as FM if he knew SL has to pay back the loans he obtained; or does he think that too is free?

TONY Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:04 PM

TOM PATCHAYA. ANOTHER DUMINDA

Bubble Banda Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:20 AM

If the Presidential Commission cannot take any action, leave him to us - we know what to do.

Rapthi Corea Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:33 AM

Can you see he is touching his nose to check if it is growing long like Pinochio. How brazenly shameless is he and his family. GROBR

Lal Thursday, 03 August 2017 02:30 PM

This is the first time a government found its own minister to be corrupt, hope this will be the first time govt take action against its own minister

ranga Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:05 PM

Mr. Ravi Please stop talking nonsenses ... Ravi baba.lol

Manuel Benjamin Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:23 AM

Hay Ravi, do you think SriLankans are fools and wearing ear studs and keeping flowers on their ears.

J Palitha Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:25 AM

Ravi for your age, professional qualifications and position, shame of you man lying like a small child.

Premalal Thursday, 03 August 2017 07:48 PM

He should be struck off Chartered Accountants register simply because of his diminished mental capacity. He does not know even where he lives.

TONY Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:08 PM

POOR SHOW BY A MINISTER. FOR SO LONG AS 9 MONTHS HE DID NOT KNOW HE WAS STAYING FREE IN A PENTHOUSE.

concern Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:16 PM

He was in deep sleep and he is still now.

JET LAG Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:13 PM

After travelling from Maldives !

Labby Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:16 PM

I hope he knows that ignorance is not an excuse.

Shyaman Wjemanne Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:18 PM

I think this "Duminda "Syndrome is now spreading rapidly among the Politically exposed persons.The silly and irresponsible answers like "Don't know","Don't Remember" ,should not be an excuse for these types of rogues. It's better if he can go and ask from his wife is there any other secrets hidden from him.We should not be surprised if the council found all 225MPs got involved to this scam when end of the investigation.

andycap Thursday, 03 August 2017 11:10 AM

One must remember that these are not his answers but the answers dictated to him by the lawyers handling the case :(

Bla Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:24 PM

A great country Sri Lanka. Ministers do not know who owns his house, business tycoons do not remember passwords and murderers do not remember shootings.

public comes ablic Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:35 PM

he got an award asian best finance minister. very stupid now trying to fool the public

SW Thursday, 03 August 2017 07:31 AM

This is nothing, but "shamelessness".

THERE's a HOLE IN THE BUCKET Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:40 PM

His preparation for his defence which took more than 5 days - with even a visit to Maldives (so it is said) - does not seem to hold water. In fact he is in hot water !

HOT WATER Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:12 PM

THERE IS NO HOT WATER IN SIBERIA - (as said in the film 'Silk Stockings" !

Darrel Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:40 PM

OMG! are you serious. If you don't know who is paying your rent how could you have been the Finance MInister of an entire country.

srinath.gunaratne Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:41 PM

Mr Faulty, I know nothing!

Premalal Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:45 PM

When the only answer possible is "I know nothing" then it is certain that there is no escape. It is a pleading rather than a defense. He is well and turly caught..

Premalal Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:48 PM

The next question is for Arjun Aloysius. Why did he pay someone else' s rent? will he kindly pay mine as well?

Hadam Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:17 PM

Well said, couldn't stop laughing.

Nina Kamal Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:19 PM

Mother or Daughter!! is the question to Arjun Aloysius!!

KIND Thursday, 03 August 2017 12:55 PM

Paid it in Kind as well ?

Nisal Ananda Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:57 PM

please Ravi. don't spoil at least good governance's last left.

LIAR Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:59 PM

" knew nothing," he said.-- suppose staying in such a "HOUSE" was just ordinary for Ravi - compared to his live style - and naturally did not make him think, questioning of how the money is coming to pay for residing in this "HOUSE" (in the first "few" months) and later for the purchase. ! LIAR !

dinith Wednesday, 02 August 2017 06:59 PM

Someone who doesn't know how his rent is paid, is not suitable to have a ministerial post. Pls get lost Ravi !!!

SYNONYMS Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:01 PM

The following synonyms seem applicable in this instance :----deceiver, fibber, falsifier, teller of lies, teller of untruths, perjurer, false witness, fabricator, equivocator, prevaricator, spinner of yarns; --- I am lost with words.

Bala Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:05 PM

All these allegations are wrong. Rajapakse's are trying their best to topple this yahapalanaya government by framing Hon. Ravi K. I am not saying Ravi is a real clean person, he might have some bit of wrong doings in the past. But comparing with present politicians, I must say RK is a person who can do some great things towards the country.

Haramanis Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:29 PM

Yes - like masterminding a multi-billion rupee scam, and then living off the proceeds

ranga Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:07 PM

wake up man !!! stop day dreaming ....

malik Thursday, 03 August 2017 11:44 AM

Bala, you are obsessed with Rajapakse, eben in your death bed you will be thinking of Rajapakse

Asoka Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:35 PM

Hello to all...I am not Bala...I am Asoka, and wanted to see how many like my comment. Only 10 while 93 dislikes. I pretented like Balachandran...

Haramanis Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:05 PM

Now the billion rupee question - Who has the balls to sack him???

Be Fair Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:30 PM

No one in the Govt has it. So the matter ends there

DamithW Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:10 PM

RW: PL. remove him from Cabinet position immediately. This is a disgrace to the UNP also. There are elections close by : 3 to come before 2020 .

punchinilame Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:10 PM

Typical SL Black Coat guidance, common in Courts, with nopublicity in the media, however the same with a CoI cantake a different turn - it must.

Jamaji Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:19 PM

Hiding a truth is an offence under penal code. He dares to tell this con story under his opinion that Sri Lankans are fools.

Ravi Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:23 PM

A shameless man.

Mason Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:26 PM

Nothing could be further from the truth. Not a soul in the World will believe that the Minister and his family were living in a Penthouse not knowing who was paying the rent for nine long months !!

OMG Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:34 PM

He carried a file to commission to say I knew nothing? haha. Like MR

Sincere Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:34 PM

මම දන්නේ නැත. මට මතක නැත!! Case over! kalaas, finito!

Premalal Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:36 PM

If this bizarre defense is accepted by this commission then it would set a precedence where "I know nothing" will have to be accepted as a valid defense in every case in the future. Sri Lanka will no doubt will be a paradise but, a paradise for crooks.

Aquarius Thursday, 03 August 2017 08:16 AM

We are already there!

Ranjit Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:45 PM

Please, please believe him what he says!Even he does not know who is paying the cost of the repairs his own house which is being done now!

Citizen Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:45 PM

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Akila Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:48 PM

No doubts. This gang will continue to appear on forth coming elections and even win. How careless our people wasting their votes for this kind of people.

ceylon Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:54 PM

this is a trap to put ravi in troubleby sirisenaranilmahinda and other robers.mahindagotabasil now must be in jailswhere are they . via DM Android App

Citizen Thursday, 03 August 2017 05:56 AM

Hello, is this Ravi?

Harry Saturday, 05 August 2017 09:08 AM

ceylon must be in the crooks payroll to write such stupid comments.

Upul Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:56 PM

These types of excuses are good for Kondey Bandapu Cheenunta. What is this? First you par took in a robbery, now, you are lying to cover it up. Shame on you Pal., Please resign without any more lies.

Nihal Amarasekera Wednesday, 02 August 2017 07:56 PM

What more can we expect from him other than a DIABOLIC LIE.

Kato Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:04 PM

Incomprehensible answer. The former finance minister (finance minister!!!) and head of the household does not know who is paying for his accommodation??? If this is all he has an excuse, he is already guilty as charged. By the way, this is is just scratching the surface. He should have billions hidden away elsewhere. Just one who has been caught with his pants down. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, majority of the politicians are super corrupt and they all are in it together.

Rodney Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:08 PM

Ask the wife and the daughter of the laundered money out of which the loan instalement was paid

ceylon Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:12 PM

Ravi is a good accountant but not able to find a clever lawyer.no excuse for his negligence. via DM Android App

Premalal Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:14 PM

Ravi's wife and daughter should be summoned by the commission.Its amazing, your wife and daughter provides you with a super luxury apartment and you don't ask how much it cost? The good wife and daughter does not bother man by telling him the cost.Anyway why should they tell him when someone else foot the bill. .

JAN Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:21 PM

RK Mata mathaka nehe Duminda followers why waiting so long speed up Ravi case we citizens immediately need Justice via DM Android App

heidi Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:25 PM

Your Honour, Words fail me. I rest my case!!!

peter Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:27 PM

so his wife and daughter would have too answer now.better he said truth at this moment other wise definitely truth will come out after putting them in trouble.whole world watching ultimately whole family interrogators questions and answers will receive

con.com Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:32 PM

Alice in wonderland, Aesop's Fables or Grimm 's Fairy Tales? This is getting " curiouser and curiouser" as Alice said. Can't decide whether it's a comedy or tragedy!!!

Your explanation Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:00 PM

“I'm afraid I can't explain myself, sir. Because I am not myself, you see?” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

GIVE HIM THE BOOT Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:06 PM

“Off with their heads!” -- ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Ram Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:35 PM

President and prime minister has very reason to ask ravi to step down from minister post and also leave politics.Will they do it or poor public to come on road.

saras Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:47 PM

Oh ! He knew nothing, he is innocent and not fit enough to hold a Ministerial Portfolio if he does not know who pays his rent.

Sameen Jan Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:47 PM

President was right in sacking him from Finance (with Lottery).Now send him to the Bribery Commission.This is one of a trio that ridiculed the Forces to demoralize them and encourage the LTTE. Made in USA.

Saman Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:55 PM

Is he Jon Snow ?

malij Wednesday, 02 August 2017 08:59 PM

See nothing, hear nothing, know nothing and say nothing.

cineha Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:02 PM

See how pathetic we Sri lankans are....We had a Finance minister who didn't know about his domestic finances....but was entrusted to manage the countries finances......sin no?

adwani Thursday, 03 August 2017 06:24 AM

who is the idiot who awarded him the best thief award

sigiriya Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:02 PM

Does Ravi Karunanayake know who his wife and daughter are?

Horusamagaheluwan Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:19 PM

May be, he has made the things simple. Now the government should call he wife and daughter and ask whether they know any thing about. If they also cant remember, Then the government could ask the real owner to appear with evidence. If there is no owner, the penthouse should be acquired and handover to CB to auction.

ananda Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:21 PM

This man seems to know nothing. Kick him out as a minister and the UNP should suspend him until the outcome of the inquiry. via DM Android App

SL Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:41 PM

machan, no one will kick him out,we ourselves have to get together and chase this cult out of the government positions

Kadupol Jothywansa Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:19 AM

This fellow should be hanged to a light post in public.

ANTON Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:31 PM

DOES HE REMEMBER GETTING BEST FINANCE MINISTER AWARD ?

Dee Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:33 PM

Have many regrets knowing this guy.

Sameen JAN Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:35 PM

So Ravi did not know for 9 months that his wife had got Arjun Aloysius to pay millions in rent money for the 4,000 sq ft Penthouse.A lot can happen in 9 months and not only to Arjun A

69 Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:18 PM

when writing this the number of comments recieved stood at 99 - I suddenly thought of 69 (when reading this comment ! )

SL Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:41 PM

Guys get together ,we will have to chase this crook out of any post in the government.

ranmala Thursday, 03 August 2017 07:07 AM

Masses get together these crooks will never learn or leave. Protest till he leaves. No alternative

Haramanis Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:42 PM

MS - Time to show your balls man!!!

ceylon Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:43 PM

no one talk about countrys biggest theivesmahinda basil gota weerawansa namal etc.srilanka the worderland. via DM Android App

Harry Saturday, 05 August 2017 09:14 AM

If the previous government was not there even your ashes wont be there by now!

De Silva Wednesday, 02 August 2017 09:53 PM

If he does not know what is happening at home what about the country ??,

Calistus Jayatilleke Thursday, 03 August 2017 05:39 AM

Oh, what a crook. He should now immediately launch a domestic inquiry against his wife and daughter to find out why Arjun Aloysius was so keen to pay his rent without his knowledge.

SERVICES Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:10 PM

May lead to a domestic upheaval

other matters Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:12 PM

Any other things "without his knowledge" ?

cheers Thursday, 03 August 2017 05:42 AM

Prime minister any comments or the president I think all political robers in SL have a syndrome called (Cant remember) so they all need to have a brain test before entering Parliament and a medical check up to get to the big house to manage a country and the citizens

Adwani Thursday, 03 August 2017 06:16 AM

If Ravi is not aware who paid the rent, then he should also be charged for illegal encroachment and trespassing in the apartment..

Adwani Thursday, 03 August 2017 06:19 AM

Why Aloy paid so much money in Rent for Ravi's family to stay was it in response to any cocaine deals along with the sugar containers.

shah Thursday, 03 August 2017 07:22 AM

Mr president and Mr prime minister take immediate step to knew nothing crook world is watching us yahapalanaya government

Patrick Thursday, 03 August 2017 07:56 AM

This is like Snow White story!!!!! ha ha ha and PM to step down?

p nonis Thursday, 03 August 2017 07:59 AM

Innocent and not guilty in court.didn't know any thing about it.?A man who knows everything doesn't know anything about who paid the rent for his accomadation and sale even after 9 months.what happened to your intigrity and honesty. will the public ever believe you, although the courts are accepting your total denial of the allegations.

Kiris Baba Amaray Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:16 AM

Honestly I am a strong UNP er but never seen such a dirty man who wears full suit and lies like this.

Kithsiri Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:19 AM

Some one said he did not know who paid his house rent for months ,he is a liar or insane.Not suitable for any public post even a peon.

keerthi Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:22 AM

He didn't know anything until he reads the news papers, just like president

Shane Croner Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:42 AM

As an anti corruption initiative could your news paper launch an SMS Campaign to the President to get rid of corrupt politicians.

Smart Aleck Thursday, 03 August 2017 10:57 AM

Ravi K is touching his nose while saying this! That is a sign that he is lying. Ravi K and Ranil should both resign immediately.

R F Thursday, 03 August 2017 11:03 AM

A man who is not aware of something of this magnitude happening within his own household is not fit to be involved in running the country. He needs to go immediately. He is a disgrace. And what's more, his wife and daughter should be questioned immediately on their nice little arrangement with AA.

R.F. Thursday, 03 August 2017 11:05 AM

What a thoththa baba he is! Not only should he go, but the PM too.

sunil Thursday, 03 August 2017 11:19 AM

So his wife is the FM OF HOME.HA HA HAHE IS THE BEST FM OF ASIA

SAM SPARROW Thursday, 03 August 2017 11:42 AM

I thought only John Snow knows nothing

raza Thursday, 03 August 2017 11:44 AM

PM should make a honourable exit from politics. on the completion of 40 years, if he accepts Ravi's version. He and RK have let down the entire UNP ers

ceylon Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:07 PM

mr doing nothing sirisena together with deal dasa and biggest theives trying to discredit ravi.start frm onestart frm mahinda and theives. via DM Android App

ceylon Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:09 PM

if anything wrong mean ranil also wrong.he is the one who appointed theif mahendran to the job and allowed him to steal. via DM Android App

Harry Saturday, 05 August 2017 09:20 AM

Out of all comments made so far this is the only sensible one noted! Looks you are now back from Angoda!

Vimal Carlos Monday, 07 August 2017 06:25 AM

Hot water means : He is on the way to get cooked like a prawn!

Fairy Tale Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:09 PM

Look.!! his nose is growing like Pinochio

Chris Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:15 PM

As an anti corruption initiative could your news paper launch an SMS Campaign to the President to get rid of corrupt politicians.Mr President I am sure you know the truth.If you dont act,when 2020 comes you will be OUT,thats definite.The general public are fed up with the present government

CTB Thursday, 03 August 2017 01:48 PM

Sad to note how very neatly our former FM has pushed his wife and daughter under the bus. A real man would have owned up and resigned.

Bawa Thursday, 03 August 2017 02:40 PM

Mr President - Let the public decide Ravi's fate in politics by arranging a voting campaign. Lets see whether he gets more or less votes for his involvement in politics.

Sunil Thursday, 03 August 2017 02:47 PM

The staggering amount of comments received for this news item indicates how keen the people are to know the truth, which is quite understandable.The commission referred to one witness as an "outright liar". This applies to RK as well.

Asanka Thursday, 03 August 2017 03:21 PM

This is as low as it can get. Please remove the Sri Lanka flag lapel pin from your coat. It's a disgrace to it. Yahapalanaya we are waiting for your decision.

sachith Thursday, 03 August 2017 03:39 PM

@Asanka "Yahapalanaya we are waiting for your decision." Then you are day dreaming. Even tomorrow MR forms a government, nothing will happen to Ravi. Just like Basil under this government.

OBSERVER Thursday, 03 August 2017 05:54 PM

VERY SOON HE WILL SAY,HE DOSE NOT KNOW HE IS LIVING IN SRI LANKA AND FOREIGN MINISTER OF THIS COUNTRY.

vipula Friday, 04 August 2017 12:53 PM

Shamless man I ever seen.Shame on you! Shame on you!Shame on you!The people who voted him and still trying to protect him.One of another yhahapalana ministers had asked 200 million to approve a project.

Johan Amaradeva Monday, 07 August 2017 05:13 AM

Lying man cannot progress beyond the gate !

Mr.Perfect Monday, 07 August 2017 10:08 AM

Yes!. When you politicians are caught red handed you cant remember or don't no nothing. You staying a penthouse but you don't know to who it it belongs or who pays the rent.Sham on you Mr. RK. If you have any shame left in you please resign from all political posts you are holding.

HF Monday, 07 August 2017 10:49 PM

It is not only RK. PM. Mr.Clean aka James Bond who spoke in Parliament on this issue is the master mind. He brought AM and nearly prevented the Pres from appointing the present Gov. of the C.Bank. Mr.Clean should be sent for dry cleaning soon although he appears to be innocent.

joee Tuesday, 08 August 2017 09:05 AM

Commissioner of Inland Revenue,Please check how this payment on behalf of RW, is being accounted in books/returns of the person paying it.

joee Tuesday, 08 August 2017 09:11 AM

I am ashamed for voting for this Government.Mr President and Mr Prime Minister, if you'll fail to take any meaningful steps immediately to get rid of all the bad eggs in your Government, dont expect us to vote for you at any of the future polls.

Joee Tuesday, 08 August 2017 01:47 PM

Sorry not Rw, it should be RK.

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I knew nothing: Ravi

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