How Mahanama appointed as President’s Chief of Staff: CHR

7 May 2018 08:33 pm - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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It is a question to be raised as to how I. H. K. Mahanama was appointed as the President’s Chief of Staff, when the investigation had been underway against him in relation to soliciting a bribe of Rs. 540 million from an Indian businessman, which was caught red handed recently, Centre for Human Rights (CHR) Executive Director Keerthi Tennakoon said.

Addressing a news briefing, he said I. H. K. Mahanama was unaware until he was caught red handed that the Indian businessman from whom he had been solicited the bribe, had lodged a complaint to the Commission Investigating Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) about the initial stage of asking the bribe and added accordingly the CIABOC had commenced the investigations.

“Although the said incident came into spotlight recently, there have been discussions with the President’s Chief of Staff Mahanama and State Timber Corporation (STC) Chairman P. Dissanayaka and the Indian businessman since May, 2017. Then and there, they have been threats to the businessman from the solicitors. In such a background, it is questionable as to how Mr. Mahanama was appointed to such a higher rank as President’s Chief of Staff,” Tennakoon said.

Meanwhile, he accused Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on his statement made at the UNP May Day rally that the Samurdhi Development Bank would be soon brought under the control of the Central Bank (CB).

“If the Samurdhi Development Banks came under CB, it would be the end of the Samurdhi Banks and the deposited money of the poor would be wasted,” Tennakoon added.

However, he said the government might use the currency of the Samurdhi Banks to overcome the existing economic calamity. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 21

Saman Monday, 07 May 2018 09:00 PM

Are you not live in Sri Lanka?

Gona Monday, 07 May 2018 09:03 PM

As correctly said by Ranjan the more corrupt you are you get higher positions .

Citizen 1 Monday, 07 May 2018 09:15 PM

That's a foolish question. If the investigators blew the whistle he wouldn't be caught in action. Would have easily gotten away without substantial evidence.

sumal perera Monday, 07 May 2018 09:21 PM

Keerthi.....not a big issue....his bosses wanted the guy to continue deals and finalize the bribe....so the extension was given.

Tilak Fernando Monday, 07 May 2018 10:54 PM

The Govt. should expedite investigations into allegations against former Ministers against whom startling revealationshad been made which could come under Bribery.These people have not understood the meaning of Disce Aut Disce De even though they have been at this famous school for over a decade. They have neither learnt nor departed in the political field as well.

johan Tuesday, 08 May 2018 08:41 AM

No point of always investigating, there are lot loop holes in our Judiciary system , instead of punishing them they have escape routes.That is the reason Judicatory amendment bill should come to force as soon as possible

Sas Monday, 07 May 2018 11:01 PM

Even the MR govt didn't make him a secretary because he was corrupt and that says a A LOT about Mahanama

Mandy Tuesday, 08 May 2018 11:17 AM

You are wrong. He Mahanama then became a secretary of Mahinda Rajapakse during his corrupt era.

Jaliya Tuesday, 08 May 2018 01:59 AM

One look at this face will reveal the facts ... this man looks like the mason bass I hired to put up my parapet wall who later vanished with full pay and more money as a loan without completing the work.

neil alvis Tuesday, 08 May 2018 02:35 AM

a chief of staff position is the most powerful position next to president or pm in any country. he can oversea all ministries. in this case its THIEF of staff like his backboneless president of a thief.

DJ Tuesday, 08 May 2018 05:16 AM

Hiw does it effect the banking operation as all other banks are under CB? The main issue if the bank is run by unscrupeless elements what is the position of the depositors then. This Samurdhi Bank business has been manipulated by politicians far too long

Raza Tuesday, 08 May 2018 06:08 AM

It appears all top People are surrounded by opportunists, corrupts.

malij Tuesday, 08 May 2018 06:12 AM

There is a huge question mark and a controversy even on the appointment of the successor to State Timber Corporation (STC) Chairman P. Dissanayaka who got fired. Can a President of a country could be so naive?

civikons@hotmail.com Tuesday, 08 May 2018 06:25 AM

Cat's face is becoming visible through holes in the bag?

Refaideen Tuesday, 08 May 2018 07:22 AM

Just imagine how grass roots level corruption might be.

Wise Donkey Tuesday, 08 May 2018 07:54 AM

We still have not studied our double headed politicians. A behavior before the election and a totally different one after the election. Should we trust any of them?

moragoda Tuesday, 08 May 2018 10:13 AM

Land of who's? 'Samurdhi' meant to be a 'vote-bank'

TRUEMAN. Tuesday, 08 May 2018 10:49 AM

I TS THE INHERITED POLITICAL CULTURE OF THE COUNTRY THAT CANNOT BE CHANGED EASILY. via DM Android App

Khumbiyoo Tuesday, 08 May 2018 02:58 PM

It just shows, if the deal sails through everyone is a winner, if it doesn't the one caught is caught.... that's how the system operates in our 2000 worth culture that we boast - so no harm in appointing thieves and chiefs!!

Sara Friday, 11 May 2018 01:23 PM

Rogues succeed for rogues.

Lasith Friday, 11 May 2018 01:25 PM

Has Mahanama declared his assets? How did you go through the High Posts Committee

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How Mahanama appointed as President’s Chief of Staff: CHR

Comments - 21

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