Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-03-29 10:48:00
The Joint Opposition lodged a complaint against International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama with the Bribery Commission today for allegedly misusing Mahapola funds amounting to Rs. 1 billion.
The complaint is the third in the series of Top Ten Yahapalana Mega Thieves initiative of the Joint Opposition.
Earlier, the JO lodged complaints against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake on charges of financial misappropriation.
In today’s complaint, the JO alleged the Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund and Schools Development Fund had been invested in a private company called Asset Trust Management (Pvt.) Ltd.
Asset Trust Management is a subsidiary of SAFE Holding Company owned by Dr. Wickrema Weerasooria, the Chairman of the National Wealth Corporation (NWCL), which regulates the Mahapola Fund, JO member MP Sisira Jayakody said.
He said the appointment of Dr. Weerasooriya as NWCL Chairman was a violation of State fiscal policies.
“The funds of the Mahapola and Schools Development Fund had been invested in a second subsidiary company of SAFE Holding Company called Wealth Trust Securities Ltd. This subsidiary had recorded a profit of Rs. 1,000 million for a period of 21 months ended in October this year,” he said.
The JO sought action against both Minister Samarawickrama and Dr. Weerasooria.
"Diabolical lies" says Dr. Weerasooria
Dr. Wickrema Weerasooria, the Chairman of the National Wealth Corporation Ltd (NWCL) vehemently rejected the allegations levelled against him by the Joint Opposition.
Speaking to Daily Mirror, Dr. Weerasooria said ‘what’ have been said by the JO was a diabolical lie.
“Mahapola funds have never been used by the said two companies and no Mahapola fund had been misused or abused. Gihan Jayatilleke, the Chief Executive Officer of NWCL could corroborate on this,” he said.
He said the allegations were attempts by the JO to embarrass Minister Malik Samarawickrama and himself. (Lahiru Pothmulla)
Madiya Wednesday, 23 November 2016 01:42 PM
I know Malik from my childhood. He worked hard to establish and improve his business . He did not become rich over night and still works hard. The JO gang is just the opposite.
NARAYANA Wednesday, 23 November 2016 01:46 PM
Thanks JO for now shows KAMBA HORU like MAHAWELI HORU.. and bunch. Deal kumara silent...
BV Wednesday, 23 November 2016 02:21 PM
MALIK IS A HONEST WELL RESPECTED POLITICIAN.JO YOU CANNOT FOOL THE MASSES. via DM Android App
Gayan Perera Wednesday, 23 November 2016 02:25 PM
It's good for the JO to practise their democratic skills .. especially since most of them have zero such skills.
Nihal Wednesday, 23 November 2016 02:32 PM
Funny isn't it that when a favourite of the present governing authorities/authority is accused of corruption he becomes a "well respected" politician even when the fact is that so many would like him to vacate his seat and go home. The masses are not fooled by sweet smiles and coy mannerisms!!
RM Wednesday, 23 November 2016 02:49 PM
ANYONE COULD COMPLANE AGAINST ANYONE TO GET CHEAP POLITICAL PUBLICITY.BUT REMEMBER AT THE END OF THE DAY IT WILL HAVE TO BE PROVED IN A COURT OF LAW.
VP Wednesday, 23 November 2016 03:03 PM
JOINT OPPOSITION IS VERY CLEVER.IT ALWAYS KEEPS ITS FOOLISH SUPPORTERS AMUSEDHOPEFUL AND ENTERTAINED. via DM Android App
Sharon Wednesday, 23 November 2016 04:51 PM
Correct. Same theory should apply to Rajapakshas as well.
VP Wednesday, 23 November 2016 05:09 PM
TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU AND RM MR.SHARON. via DM Android App
Mevan Thursday, 24 November 2016 03:40 AM
Some people have forgotten how tourists were murdered and raped, how government servants were tied to trees, how teachers were forced to kneel down, how ex-cricketers did hedging deals for CPC and how MR looked the other way as if nothing happened.
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e
Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c
In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R
As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H