Appointment of Mahanama as Chief of Staff - Should have warned Prez: Rajitha

9 May 2018 07:45 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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I should have told President Sirisena not to appoint I. H. K. Mahanama as his Chief of Staff, as I knew that many allegations had been levelled against him, Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Rajitha Senaratne said.

Addressing a news briefing, he said he was not informed that Mahanama, who was earlier the Secretary to the Ministry of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms, was to be appointed the President’s Chief of Staff.

“When Mahanama was secretary to the Ministry of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms, I was the minister in charge of the subject. One day, I noticed that Mr. Mahanama had leased a land belonging to the government to a private firm to be used to build a chocolate factory. That was the first indication to me that he was not acting according to my orders. That’s how I knew he cannot be trusted,” Senaratne said.

“I was unaware that he was the President’s Chief of Staff until he was arrested while receiving a bribe,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Video by RM

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Comments - 15

pathumk Wednesday, 09 May 2018 09:13 AM

Supreme leader of the country is speaking. Lol

malij Wednesday, 09 May 2018 09:13 AM

Newly appointed Chairman of the State Timber Corporation also is tainted by several law suits and allegations. So don't bullshit us.So much for President's clean government.

Lion Wednesday, 09 May 2018 09:16 AM

MR minister you said that he approved a government land without your approval.Please let us know what action you took against him at that instance.

Khumbiyoo Wednesday, 09 May 2018 11:02 AM

Baloth ekkala bah!

Premalal Wednesday, 09 May 2018 10:50 AM

If you knew that the man was corrupted you should have either fired him or charged him. By the way these two worthies are alleged to have been counting the money for the second time when they were nabbed. Why were they so cearful if they were not doing it on behalf of a powerful master to whom they had to account for the money.

seneviratne Wednesday, 09 May 2018 10:55 AM

Results of appointing somebody's somebody. Efficient Public Officers who did a service and retired waste their time homebound without any kith and kin or sttoges to politicians. What a country?

Sincere Wednesday, 09 May 2018 11:00 AM

Rajitha, the white paint you have taken for white washing is not enough! People of this country are not so ignorant as you assume!

ransam Wednesday, 09 May 2018 11:01 AM

You said that you objected the appointment of Mahendran to CB. But did it have any effect?

Refaideen Wednesday, 09 May 2018 11:24 AM

Hon. Minister there are plenty of sharks of this caliber roaming around the civil service show us what you can do.

malij Wednesday, 09 May 2018 12:13 PM

It is an internationally accepted

poornima Wednesday, 09 May 2018 01:42 PM

is this a staged drama to balance the depth of crimes committed by two sides. Trying to deliberately taint the image of president.

Jothipala Wednesday, 09 May 2018 01:48 PM

These people take us for a joke and expect us to believe the jack-and-the-beanstalk stories they relate. This one should 'take a bath and come'.

Observer Wednesday, 09 May 2018 08:27 PM

So, even as late as now, you can still brief the President about the other suspicious people who have been appointed to key positions.

Daya Wednesday, 09 May 2018 08:51 PM

If the bribe is only for themselves they will not waste time counting. They will only count if necessary one bundle

ravindra Thursday, 10 May 2018 10:20 AM

There is no argument both Rajapakse regime was corrupt and Maitri regime is corrupt.Corruption is in the blood of Sri lankan politian.I dont think this can be changed overnight.But difference between Rajapakshe government and Maitri government is that with Rajapakshe regime developed the country and finish the war while taking commission.What has Maitri got to show as his achievement for the last 2 and half years.Possibly cabinet making skills

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Appointment of Mahanama as Chief of Staff - Should have warned Prez: Rajitha

Comments - 15

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