Video: Gotabaya quizzed by PCoI for five hours

24 August 2015 01:00 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former defense secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was today questioned by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) over allegations of misusing state funds and using personnel of the state-owned security firm, Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited (RALL) for the presidential election campaign.

The former top state official, arrived at the PCoI housed at the BMICH around 10.30 a.m. He was questioned for more than five hours and a statement recorded before being allowed to leave around 4.00 p.m.

PCoI Secretary Lacille De Silva said Mr. Rajapaksa was questioned with regard to a petition alleging that in his capacity as Defence Secretary he had misused Rs.6 millions in state funds and used some 500 Rall employees for the presidential election campaign.

Another allegation was that of deploying 150 Civil Defense Force personnel for the presidential election campaign after replacing their usual uniforms with another type of uniform.

The leasing of weapons of this state owned security firm for private use was another allegation against the former Defence Secretary.

Mr. De Silva said evidence had been recorded and would be further investigated.

RALL is a Sri Lanka Government-owned business undertaking in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense to provide top notch security services to the commercial sector.

Mr. Rajapaksa told the media outside the PCoI office that he was questioned about the activities of Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited and was not aware whether he would be summoned again. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana and Sanath Desmond)

Video by Sanath Desmond

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Comments - 13

Amila Monday, 24 August 2015 06:35 PM

Next step?

Amila Monday, 24 August 2015 06:43 PM

Go ahead!

Neel Monday, 24 August 2015 06:45 PM

Why did the policeman, presumably in the interview room, salute him? He doesnt hold any ranks. How could you expect an impartial investigation?

ziyard Monday, 24 August 2015 07:02 PM

only interrogation ?no arrests ? just imagine an unemployed going to prison for stealing a pound of bread to feed his family ?justice in sri lanka is for the weak..a land like no other

mithra Monday, 24 August 2015 07:15 PM

Yes this kind of thing shoy=uld not be ignored. The policeman should be questioned.

Channa Monday, 24 August 2015 07:54 PM

The idiots who comment here. where were you during that bloody war

M. Wickramanayake Monday, 24 August 2015 08:05 PM

Hello!Your justice system and the country is doomed if you try Rajapakse brothers for unwarranted allegations.You make Sri Lanka vulnerable by exposing defense secrets to the world. During that era of govt. Sri Lanka had only 12 billions worth of money etc so how can Rajapakses steal 16 billion from that. Shame on everyone being power hungry and stooping to ruthless forces in the world. Singapore and South India are having the last laugh at the foolishness of Sri lanka by delaying or cancelling China funded port project. Hello! South India is building one so that Sri Lanka will rot in debt payment.

Dr M.L.Najimudeen Monday, 24 August 2015 08:13 PM

This another cheating of ordinary citizensI am very positive that no action will be taken against any member of the Rajapakse family.Dr M.L.Najimudeen

pathum Monday, 24 August 2015 10:45 PM

all the people people who have commented are new borns.They have forgotten the past.Shame on you people via DM Android App

Loki Monday, 24 August 2015 10:48 PM

Dont be hard on the poor guy. They are just people in between this power transfer. Or maybe its the fact he did not critically think about it and just did as of habbit. Remember these people were 10 years brain fed to salute anyone coming from a prado. Sooner or later he will figure things out.

Dan Monday, 24 August 2015 11:26 PM

Since gaining independence, in successive governments, there had been many political crooks who have robbed the country earth and moon without doing any quantifiable service to the Country and never being prosecuted in whatever manner. In that scenario, GR is a man who played a key role in defeating LTTE saving billions spent on the war and property destruction and saving thousands of human lives and also paving the way to develop Colombo as a wonderful city..... it is time for us to do a soul searching...

Labby Tuesday, 25 August 2015 10:07 AM

If that salute we saw is anything to go by then this whole five hours of questioning is nothing but an eyewash.

REALPATRIOT Tuesday, 25 August 2015 01:52 PM

NOBODY IS ABOVE LAW . via DM Android App

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Video: Gotabaya quizzed by PCoI for five hours

Comments - 13

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