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Sri Lankan awarded for his honesty

10 May 2014 06:49 am - 58     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A Sri Lankan student who found more than $100,000 while cleaning toilets at Channel Nine's headquarters has been richly awarded for his honesty.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court heard Chamindu Amarsinghe, who found hundreds of $50 and $100 notes stuffed into a sanitary bin at the Dockland office in August 2011, will receive $81,597 of the unclaimed cash for his honesty. The remaining $19,500 will go to the state.

Mr Amarsinghe at first thought it was a prank, News Limited reports.

"There was too much to count," he said.
"But when I touched the notes ... I realised it was real money."

Mr Amarsinghe said he immediately called his supervisor, who alerted the police.

After a plumber pulled out more than $100,000 from the Bourke Street bathroom, police launched an investigation into the origin of the cash, but no one came forward to claim it.

On Tuesday, magistrate Michael Smith said: "There's no reason why such honesty should go unrewarded."

Mr Amarsinghe, who now works at a fast-food restaurant and is studying IT in New Zealand, said he was speechless when he received a call telling him the money was his.

“I just want to spend my life in a normal way, find a job in IT and carry out that dream,” he said. (The Age)

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  Comments - 58

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  • mad man Monday, 12 May 2014 12:26 PM

    Honesty is gods gift use it wisely and u vl be rewarded

    NOTAN Monday, 12 May 2014 12:44 AM

    Dear Anton
    How do you know that most Sri Lankan's do dirty things in foreign countries??? Most Sri Lankans want to get out of the country due to politics, thuggery, corruption and all they want is to live a normal life in other countries

    ravi Monday, 12 May 2014 01:08 AM

    Hats off.I'm getting tears in my eyes!! U made us proud

    chennaiguy Monday, 12 May 2014 06:41 AM

    Wonderful news He is such a outstanding example and an ambassador of the Sri Lankan people. God bless you and best of luck for your future

    Bandu Monday, 12 May 2014 02:52 AM

    All sri lankans living in Australia also should reward him as he made his country proud as well as sri lankans living there.

    Vijitha Monday, 12 May 2014 03:24 AM

    Large number of sri lankans behave very badly in foreign counries briginging bad reputation to the country.You acted quite oppositely.We are very proud of you.You are an example for every sri lankan.

    Jokerii Monday, 12 May 2014 04:30 AM

    we can be prouder of an honest toilet cleaner than a person like you who looks down on people. People like you are to blame for the state the country is in now.

    tony Monday, 12 May 2014 04:57 AM

    NOT ONLY THAT, THE STATE WILL TAKE 90% AND REWARD WILL ONLY BE 10%

    katie Mackintosh Monday, 12 May 2014 05:17 AM

    [quote name="Karu"]cleaning toilet ?? we all have to be proud of this[/quote]

    Cleaning toilets is not a bad thing.. Its honest earnings and unlike in Sri Lanka, Australia does not look down on you, because working Part-time means, cleaning toilets/ offices/ shopping malls etc that is where the money is. So its no big deal.

    Sue Monday, 12 May 2014 05:27 AM

    So proud of you Chamindu. I felt choked with emotion reading the article. So much honesty is truly to be admired and honored. God bless you and your parents who brought you up with the correct values.

    Samitha Silva Monday, 12 May 2014 06:02 AM

    This is what lacking in our country.Honesty is a Gem in all our lives.We are proud of you. God Bless You.

    sandman Monday, 12 May 2014 06:09 AM

    I had sent in a comment " DEFINITELY, NOT MR & CO MATERIAL". Why was this comment not published ? DM publishes comments with swear words, but, why is it selectively shy of Mahinda criticism, inspite of its facade ? Come on DM, lets have an even playing field.

    Rameez Hasheem Monday, 12 May 2014 06:09 AM

    allah may bless you & your family,
    thanks to supervisor , police & justice people....
    machan indeed i want to add you in my social network... PROUD OF YOU MAN AS A SRILANKAN............ I BELIEVE LOT OF AMONG US LIKE YOU.. SOUL LANKAN

    kankan Monday, 12 May 2014 06:31 AM

    I hope you will be rewarded on arrival in Sri Lanka one day by our President. You have made Sri Lanka proud.

    manpei Monday, 12 May 2014 06:43 AM

    The difference between uni students in srilanka and other countries. He will do whatever to educate himeself our fellows get evrything free and spend all their time protesting and ragging.

    lasantha Monday, 12 May 2014 12:14 AM

    Chamindu, your honesty appreciated. You are honesty challenges all of us. God Bless!

    sanjeeval Monday, 12 May 2014 08:11 AM

    didn't any of the ministers and MPs pose for a photograph with you, to mark the occasion .. lol

    PRR Monday, 12 May 2014 08:32 AM

    We are proud of you young man

    May you and your parents be blessed

    MMR Monday, 12 May 2014 09:35 AM

    Well done sir. good examples for those who robbed the gold which were captured from LTTE.

    Clifford Monday, 12 May 2014 09:43 AM

    Very true and totally agree with your statement

    himal Monday, 12 May 2014 06:34 PM

    In sri lanka siyalu mudal rajasanthaka karanaladi...

    Kapil Monday, 12 May 2014 09:08 PM

    May the triple gem bless you and your parents who have brought up a honest gem of a son like you. via DM Android App

    Boten Tuesday, 13 May 2014 04:19 AM

    There is a great opportunity for Lankan politicians to invite him to parliament and felicitate his honest deed and then emulate Chamidu. via DM Android App

    jinadasa perera Tuesday, 13 May 2014 05:32 PM

    Where exactly is this toilet situated via DM iPad app

    jinadasa perera Tuesday, 13 May 2014 05:32 PM

    Where exactly is this toilet situated via DM iPad app

    jinadasa perera Tuesday, 13 May 2014 05:32 PM

    Where exactly is this toilet situated via DM iPad app

    Dr mahinda Rajapakse Thursday, 15 May 2014 11:43 AM

    PROUD MOTHER LANKA

    Dr. Jay Friday, 16 May 2014 09:05 AM

    If this type of honesty was actioned in Sri Lanka you would first be delayed in police stations making statements whilst some ooffocers will try best to take some of it through threat or fear. The local M.P will take away some the tax man will take 40% and an armed gang will take the balance with a house break-in. via DM Android App

    joe Monday, 05 March 2018 07:40 AM

    your mom!

    Maximus Saturday, 10 May 2014 03:53 PM

    Don't come to Sri Lanka with that cash. U will be taxed, fined and put behind bars. Enjoy ur life there bro... have a blessed lifetime.

    jdr Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:12 AM

    Hats off to you my friend.. you are one out of million for your humbleness. We are proud of you.

    what a country to honor you like this.

    Marie Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:13 AM

    Good on you Chamindu. Good Luck with your studies

    Karu Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:21 AM

    cleaning toilet ?? we all have to be proud of this

    Apsara Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:25 AM

    SALUTE TO THIS BOY. WE NEED A PEOPLE LIKE HIM IN OUR PARLIAMENT.

    mike Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:27 AM

    Weldon
    God Bless u

    shan Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:27 AM

    Great honesty Chamindu. Need to appreciate equally the integrity of the Supervisor, Police and the Magistrate. Sri Lankan high-ups should learn a lesson.

    ANTON Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:33 AM

    IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES, MOST OF OUR SRI LANKANS DO DIRTY THINGS AND DISGRACE THE COUNTRY, YOU DID THE OPPOSITE THING, KEEP IT UP DUDE, GOD BLESS YOU.

    ravi Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:40 AM

    if this was in sri lanka then the Income Tax Dept will be after him

    aja Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:44 AM

    give him a medal welldone sir

    old citizen Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:44 AM

    Chamindu you earned this money for your honesty ,use it wisely,continue your studies and achieve your ambition.May the almighty bless you.

    Nimali Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:45 AM

    Chamindu,

    You are an inspiration to all Sri Lankans!

    Hope all our corrupt officials in SL can learn a lesson or two from you... Perhaps that would be expecting too much!

    Anyway, best wishes with your studies!

    Gold Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:47 AM

    Karu - Cleaning the toilet may be small job. But he has shown how big his character is. Its much better than hooligans who wear top suits, hold top positions but act dishonestly.
    The credit should go to his parents and teachers who brought him up this manner.

    Proteas Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:51 AM

    don't give up studies. be a simple man , look after your parents.

    M. ASHRAFF NAZIM Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:56 AM

    CHAMINDA WELL DONE KEEP IT UP ONLY A VERY FEW PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE BORN IN THIS WORLD. I APPLAUD AND SALUTE YOU

    Gods Message Saturday, 10 May 2014 07:04 AM

    God Bless Him and HIs Family.( Your Parents who brought you up) ................And Guard you with his Angles.-- Hope he will read this comment.

    In Lanka so much of GOLD, were found in the Customs, During the War.. No one knows what has happened to it.

    Chamindu - You are small person but really above all BIG Vips

    Maximus Saturday, 10 May 2014 03:56 PM

    Don't come back to Sl with that money bro... U will be taxed, fined and have to hide from organised criminals...

    sk Saturday, 10 May 2014 04:02 PM

    chamindu very well done.

    Chief Saturday, 10 May 2014 04:24 PM

    Good work Amarasinge! The SL Inland Revenue Department awaits your return to Sri Lanka.

    hamid Saturday, 10 May 2014 04:27 PM

    well done putha, you have shown the world what sri lanka is made of , special thanks to the judge, how nice his verdict is , desreve noble price.

    Ronomono Saturday, 10 May 2014 04:28 PM

    this is what the dream come thru in leaving to western country maniac. In sri lanka we have all our proudness, high thinking , letting down poors and all, but once leave country and go to these western countries like AUS, USA, UK CA and all, we do everything. at least realize the reality of life. we sri lankan live in our soil should be thinking equal and do not let any one down based on their disabilities. God bless mother Lanka, theruwan saranai

    Inayathullah Saturday, 10 May 2014 04:31 PM

    we are really proud of you Chamindu and wish you a best life

    wijeyabahu Saturday, 10 May 2014 04:33 PM

    This man needs to be given another $100,000 from the SL Government for enhancing our people's image abroad. His parent's are blessed to have a son like this. My good man, well done and thank you from an Expat Sri Lankan!

    sunda Sunday, 11 May 2014 02:21 AM

    This is an example of a real sri lankan hero. via DM Android App

    John stave Sunday, 11 May 2014 02:30 AM

    Bless u son via DM Android App

    Ranjith Sunday, 11 May 2014 07:25 AM

    Its not Rupees.. So your money not tax in Sri Lanka. You can send or bring.. here without tax. via DM Android App

    rajiv Monday, 12 May 2014 12:35 AM

    god bls u bropls dont come to s.l via DM Android App

    Rohan Monday, 12 May 2014 04:04 AM

    Wow take it easy guys. He has done the toilet cleaning job to pay his Universities charges. Universities in Australia charge roughly about Rs. 200000 per year. Without giving their parents the burden they do small jobs (which only thing they can do after hours of university classes) to earn money to pay Uni Fees. Thats just temporarily. Give them a break. And this guy is gold. via DM Android App

    observer Sunday, 11 May 2014 11:44 PM

    May be a very clear move to laundry black money.


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