State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe today while calling to appoint Presidential Commissions to inquire into ship deals, Mig deals, spectrum deals and advertising firms, said that he is badly disappointed about the President.
He further said that he called Arjun Aloysius only to write the book about the Bond issue and challenged the CID to prove that he called to commit a fraud.
He added that he expects to take legal action in this regard in the future and noted that appointing a commission only to probe the Bond issue from 2015 was a conspiracy to destroy the UNP.
While addressing a press conference at the UNP headquarters Sirikotha in Pitakotte, State Minister Senasinghe said that the President should not become party to the wants of some people to destroy the young politicians of the UNP.
He further said: ‘I am actually badly disappointed about the President. We elected him by making sacrifices. A certain organization had told the President that he could gain power in 2020 by destroying both the Rajapaksas and the UNP. I called and told him about this a month ago. What did he do by extending this commission? Mud is being slung at us by extending and extending this commission.
Where are Presidential Commissions for the Mig deals. Where are the commissions for Ship deals, advertising deals and spectrum deals? Seven billion of public money. I am telling the President that we are also of the same age as his children. If he is protecting his children, if he is being hit by E-news, in the same way it’s not correct for a certain media to attack us.
When he promised to bring 20 and only brought 4 as the common candidate, many people were not in favour of giving it to him. At that moment myself and Rosy Senanayake both said that how many he came with should not be the concern, but since he took a decision and came, we should begin the campaign at that moment. If there is a wrong-doing, implement the rule of law. If he can appoint a Bond Commission and catch thieves, why can’t he do it for the others.
I am telling the President that he willfully did not start probing this from 2008, but started from 2015. He could have easily looked at how Bonds were handled from 2008. Why couldn’t this be done when we asked him? What was done here was a conspiracy against the UNP. I am committed to protecting the UNP.
Also Handunnetti cannot ethically sit in the COPE committee. He is the first person who spoke against the Bond issue. If he holds a certain opinion on a certain matter he does not have an ethical right to Chair such a committee. We can have an opinion and sit as a member. We will not protect either Aloysius or Ratwatte.
There was a big outcry against the Bond issue. A certain media due to personal reasons made this into something much bigger than what it was. I must specifically say that I opposed when Arjuna Mahendran was first appointed. At that moment I told the Prime Minister that either Arjuna Mahendran should resign or Arjun Aloysius should resign.
When all this was happening I got a chance to get appointed as a member of the COPE. I did not have much of an idea about the Bonds. It takes about six to seven months to understand this. What I did first was to understand what these bonds were. Whatever anyone says, it was I who asked the most amount of questions from Aloysius at the COPE. His connection with Cabraal’s sister. How he got this after 2008. It was I who asked all these questions. Also it was I who questioned about the conflict of interest in his father-in-law being the Governor of the Central Bank. None of those in the opposition question him about these. I wrote a book about these and asked the Bond Commission to summon me.
I don’t need to get two cents of bribes to earn money. Therefore I am saying that this country cannot be run according to the requirements of a certain private channel. This cannot be done to run your business, to control the President, to get rid of officials. We cannot allow this to happen.
I will resign if the Prime Minister asks me to or if the people ask me to, but I cannot be stopped. " (Nimala Kodituwakku and Indika Ramanayake)
Sujeewa replies to journalists
Excerpts from the press conference State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe had:
Q-Do you infer that by with this transaction the country has suffered no loss.
A-I am stating according to what I know. Not me it is the Supreme Court that decided there was no loss.
Q-Did the Perpetual Treasuries Company have legal right to purchase Bonds at the Primary Market.
A- It is possible in the Primary Market.
Q-Can they resell them in the secondary Market.
A-Yes they can.
Q-Has the EPF the right to purchase Bonds in the Primary Market
A-Yes they have the right.
Q-Can they resell them in the secondary Market
A-Yes they can
Q-When they could have bought them at the Primary Market, why did they opt to purchase them from the Perpetual Treasuries company on payment of 2% commission.
A-That is what you should investigate. A State institution does not take that responsibility. It is taken only by a private institution (Nimala Kodituwakku and Indika Ramanayake)
At least one parliamentarian realise this President is not worth his salt. The is president is a principleless man.
rew Wednesday, 22 November 2017 10:36 AM
All Politicians, including the Pres have forked tongues.
Sunil Wednesday, 22 November 2017 05:05 AM
Farting from his mouth.
Citizen Wednesday, 22 November 2017 05:49 AM
Talking rubbish after getting caught
Sandun Wednesday, 22 November 2017 06:09 AM
Well said minister.Thank you for waking up even at a later stage.
Kadiya Wednesday, 22 November 2017 06:23 AM
He's trying to destroy the very alliance he says that is being threatened by the enemies by uttering these things. Shouldn't they all work together instead of blaming the President at every turn?
SL Wednesday, 22 November 2017 06:56 AM
You all are crooks,If these politicians really have intention to serve the country as they speak ,this country must not be in this sorry situation. Luckily we are gifted with nature where people can easily survive with no political support.
lion Wednesday, 22 November 2017 06:56 AM
well said all what has happened shows presidents ingenuity in his actions. He is not truthful and not straight forward in his actions.
A Patabendige Wednesday, 22 November 2017 06:58 AM
We are not disappointed about Sujiva S. He is seen in his true colours - murky muddy brown.President is not worried about Sujiva too.
Matilda Ellepola Wednesday, 22 November 2017 07:27 AM
Nice one Sujeewa., every criminal in this country can follow your excuse from now on.What if the PCOL finds there is a direct or indirect money transfer for your account from Perpetual Treasuries and then you gonna say 'those money I got to print the book' ?The only good thing this President done so far is the RTI act and PCOL to investigate the great (Central) Bank Robbery.
Malini Wednesday, 22 November 2017 11:34 AM
Big IF is the dream. You forgot the big good thing that was 19th amendment that somewhat save SLFP presidents' power abuse since 94. MR lovers and some of the blue party still like to repeal 19th amendment.
Gune Wednesday, 22 November 2017 07:38 AM
You make a very good point but the fact is that the whole bond issue in 2015 was under "Yahapalanaya". The expectations of the people were much higher. The UNP raised the bar on governance and then dropped it on the people by the conduct of a lot of corrupt individuals in the UNP.The difference is the Rajapakse's knew how to steal and not get caught but all of you in the UNP steal and get caught.You have know excuse Mr. Politician. I myself vote and support the UNP to this day and will support it again to prevent the Rajapakse's coming in to power. But get your act together.
Nimal Wednesday, 22 November 2017 08:38 PM
Dear Gune,If state money is robbed it is not difficult to prove. That is the reason Ravi and gang are exposed.
ReaderD Wednesday, 22 November 2017 07:39 AM
UNP promised a corruption free YAHAPALANAYA, so good for the President to test that as the first item by Bond Commission. Why some are upset??
punchinilame Wednesday, 22 November 2017 06:19 PM
The same yardstick for the Russian Ship deal must be applied, which eventually blocked a newsmedia.
Senewi Wednesday, 22 November 2017 09:59 AM
He seems to be panicked
DR Wednesday, 22 November 2017 10:04 AM
Hee ...very funny when listening to him .. Its a very known Crime (Badum kara ) and he is to take telling that he is calling to take details. Wow UNP are now undressed soo great .. Because in Sinhalese we say kala kam pala denawa .. and we say hena hathanama wadena ona .. for those people like this who say lies to people and get votes. UNP sucks , if they takes the government when the war is there they would sell that too for sure.. For countries sake it was not happen.. So Last direct proof by people is that badumkara crime in happened and these guys are parters of it..
SAM Wednesday, 22 November 2017 10:18 AM
Wonder what were the 800 odd calls with former sons?
Dumindu Wednesday, 22 November 2017 10:33 AM
This fellow good with the Logic .... so he keep firing with them to clear his side ... we still dont know what he spoken to Aloysise over the phone... coz politicians are bad lairs but when its clear the picture this fellow gone... he dont have to wrote a book to explai about this situation unintentionally or intently he’s taking side of Aloysise side...
shanthapriya Wednesday, 22 November 2017 10:46 AM
Former trinity college rugby player Mr sujeewa now says only he is perfect and all other people president, JO, SLFPMR ,Media, even the judges at the bond commission, are wrong.Only this little man so much loved by Ranil is perfect
ravin Wednesday, 22 November 2017 10:46 AM
If you are honest and disappointed why wait? resigned from your portfolio. If you wait you have to save under him. Prove your innocence and then only accept any future portfolios.
Kumar Wednesday, 22 November 2017 10:50 AM
You say UNP elected the President? Rubbish.... Your party was in the dust bin for decades and you established the Govt thanks to MS. You all are worse than rotten eggs so smelly similar to buckets of shits from public lavatories. MS fulfilled the aspirations of 62 M people who voted him. You are a just a brat to dictate terms to the President. Do remember that MS is the only honest politician in our country at present.
TJ Wednesday, 22 November 2017 10:53 AM
In politics double crossing is not a taboo.
Terminator> Wednesday, 22 November 2017 11:38 AM
Whatever said and done SUJEEWA is a straight forward and frank person who can reveal the truth to the public without any fear compare to any other SL politicos.
rama Wednesday, 22 November 2017 01:17 PM
we are very disappointed about you. you wrote a book about cleanness of bond scam by getting advise from the crook.
cineha Wednesday, 22 November 2017 01:28 PM
Its too late for you to make this statement pal. The entire masses are disappointed with you and other MP's who wrote foot notes in the Cope committee report.
Jayasingha Wednesday, 22 November 2017 01:32 PM
Please look inwards within your own party and see who are the people involved as partners in crime in the bond scam. Don't blame the president. Resign from your post as you have proved to the people who voted for you that you are not honest.
Asoka Wednesday, 22 November 2017 01:59 PM
Now who is going to read your book Sujeewa...?
voter Wednesday, 22 November 2017 02:05 PM
So where's the book? Will be out next century?? You might be disappointed with the HE but the majority of the people are disappointed with you and the UNP.
Sambo Wednesday, 22 November 2017 03:09 PM
What an answer to give. Does he think all the people in this country has studied only up to grade 8. You asking a who is guilty how he stole money. You must be kidding.
Fellow Citizen Wednesday, 22 November 2017 04:00 PM
Shameless Sujeewa, We thought he is an anti-corruption fighter but now we found he is more corrupt than the previous set. Now he is blaming the Hon. President for his dishonest behavior. At least we have some hope on the Hon. President. The President should sack this culprit as a lesson to others. Sujeewa must be thinking the people are fools to give these lame excuses.
Buddhi Perera Wednesday, 22 November 2017 07:52 PM
When out of power everybody is an anti-corruption fighter
sarana Wednesday, 22 November 2017 04:14 PM
Now majority of the people are tired of the Politicians. They know who they are . No rogue in the Politics would get caught. It is the simple man who has to face trial. This is common to politicians whether in the Ruling party or in the Opposition.
Rohan Wednesday, 22 November 2017 04:19 PM
Lesson for voters here. Next election never ever vote for these morons. Only honest party we can see now is JVP.
Mario Wednesday, 22 November 2017 04:22 PM
British should take over our country othewise dooms day for our country very soon.All 225 rouges.
Mario Wednesday, 22 November 2017 04:23 PM
Dooms day for Sri Lanka very soon.
charlesnj Wednesday, 22 November 2017 08:37 PM
Why did you not say these things when the Commission was put in place...why wait till this exposure of the calls...we are dissapointed in you !!
Sumsudeen Thursday, 23 November 2017 08:18 PM
Don’t you have any shame? You continue to lie. You wrote the book in 2015 and the 62 calls were in 2016 during COPE. He should be removed by H.E.
sam silva Saturday, 25 November 2017 10:52 AM
Sujeewa during Presidential election was on TV exposing all the MR deals and corruption and promised to put the corrupt in jail. After the UNP victory - all cases against Basil Malwana, Avant garde etc yet to be properly heard. The blame is on the UNP, who holds the related Ministerial Positions of Judiciary, Police etc. No point blaming the President
Sambo Sunday, 26 November 2017 08:08 PM
Why don't you resign and get the hell out. Do you think this country cannot do without you people.
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State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe today while calling to appoint Presidential Commissions to inquire into ship deals, Mig deals, spectrum deals and advertising firms, said that he is badly disappointed about the President.
