Aloysius paid Ravi’s penthouse lease rental: Anika

24 July 2017 11:43 pm - 59 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and his family leased out a penthouse at Monarch Residencies for eight months with the monthly lease rental Rs.1.45 million being paid by Arjun Aloysius, a key witness revealed at the PCoI proceedings yesterday.

Testifying at the PCoI, Construction Company Director Anika Wijesuriya said she had owned a Penthouse at Monarch Residencies in Kollupitiya which she wanted to rent-out during December, 2015.

Subsequently, in early January, 2016, former finance minister Ravi Karunanayake and his wife Mela had inquired from the witness' brother about renting the apartment. Later the witness contacted Ms. Karunanayake and carried out initial negotiations about renting the apartment.

It was revealed that the Karunanayake family was looking for an apartment to stay during the renovations being carried out at their residence in Rajamalwatte, Kotte.

Ms. Wijesuriya had later asked Ms. Karunanayake to visit the apartment to examine it. It was revealed that during the examination Perpetual Treasuries Ltd. owner Arjun Aloysius had also arrived at the apartment and had assured the witness that he would lease out the apartment.

Ms. Wijesuriya said she was aware at the time that Mr. Aloysius would be the lessor while the Karunanayake family occupied the apartment.

The witness also explained that she developed a friendship with Mr. Aloysius and his wife before the lease agreement was signed.

When questioned by the PCoI, the witness said the apartment was leased at a monthly rental of Rs.1.45 million.

The lease agreement amounted to Rs.7.3 million while an additional Rs.1.4 million was paid to the witness by cash.

Ms. Wijesuriya said she entered into a lease agreement with the Company called Walt and Row Pvt Ltd, to which the Rs.7.3 million was transferred by the Perpetual Capital Holdings Pvt Ltd, to be paid to her.

The witness confirmed that the Karunanayake family occupied the penthouse.

In July, 2016, there was news published on websites regarding the incident highlighting the Karunanayake family occupying an apartment, with the rental paid by Mr. Aloysius.

In the wake of media reports, the witness revealed that Mr. Aloysius had asked her to destroy the lease agreement.

“He said he destroyed his copy of the lease agreement and asked me to do the same, but I was confused with the request because the documentation would generally be available at the public records room and did not do what he asked me to do,” the witness said.

She said she also contacted Ms. Karunanayake afterwards and talked about the media reports and their negative impact on her as the owner of the apartment.

The witness said she had asked Ms. Karunanayake to either purchase the apartment or vacate it considering the circumstances.

However, the witness said she allowed the Karunanayake family to occupy the apartment for another two months allocating the refundable deposited money into it because the renovations of their residence were not concluded.

Then the witness had called Mr. Aloysius and informed about the extension of the lease agreement.

The witness said the Karunanayake family later conveyed their willingness verbally to buy the apartment and settled on a price of Rs.165 million.

She said a Company known as Global Transportation and Logistics Pvt Ltd, in which Ms. Karunanayake and her daughter Onella were directors, purchased the apartment in September 2016.

When questioned by DSG Yasantha Kodagoda who led the evidence in chief, the witness revealed that Ravi Karunanayake had phoned her father last Saturday prior to testifying at the PCoI.

President’s counsel Kalinga Indatissa also crossexamined the witness. (Shehan Chamika Silva)

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Comments - 59

ANTON Tuesday, 25 July 2017 07:14 AM

WE WILL HAVE TO SET UP ANOTHER CRIME DIVISION, ......... RESIDENTIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT...... RCID

malik Tuesday, 25 July 2017 12:06 PM

Corruption at it's Finest.

Snowy Tuesday, 25 July 2017 09:46 AM

Now the screen is beginning to be removed. Nice!

Maithree Tuesday, 25 July 2017 09:51 AM

Well done yahapalanaya! These are the same people who established FCID

dana Tuesday, 25 July 2017 09:56 AM

no words to tell. ashamed on Yahapalanaya via DM Android App

lanka Tuesday, 25 July 2017 09:57 AM

Please, DO NOT , vote these type of crooks in, They all come with our preferential vote.Let him go into political oblivion as a failure and a crook.

Watergate Tuesday, 25 July 2017 09:57 AM

The Minister should step down or be asked to step down by the PM or President, until the inquiry is completed. His reputation needs to be cleared as he is the FOREIGN MINISTER!

Bad Boy Tuesday, 25 July 2017 12:03 PM

Very TRUE. By now he should have done, They preach but don't practice. He wants SRILANKAN Airline to come under him...

OBSERVER Tuesday, 25 July 2017 03:32 PM

exactly,but this is sri Lanka or miracle of Asia.

Samitha Tuesday, 25 July 2017 09:59 AM

Please step down until inquiry is over.

Sunil Tuesday, 25 July 2017 12:05 PM

No, step down for ever.

Jema Wednesday, 26 July 2017 10:55 AM

Step in to the railway track. but wait for the train first

Shri Tuesday, 25 July 2017 09:59 AM

Mr Rogue Minister,If you have any self respect you should resign. By your actions you are bringing down the UNP and all its members.All your fraudulant activities are done through your companies which we can list a few:Fairway HoldingsGlobal LogisticsHorton Vander

pathum Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:00 AM

Ravi will won the next election very easily with a majority votes.Nothing wrong with Ravi or other politicians. They know why they entered in to politics but the majority of voters does not know.

FOOLISH VOTERS Tuesday, 25 July 2017 04:21 PM

NOT THE MAJORITY - ALL OF US ARE DAMN FOOLS WHO ELECT EITHER ONE OR THE OTHER PARTY CANDIDATES - Both groups deserve not a single vote.

Watergate Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:02 AM

Failure of the Minister to step down will be a clear indication that this government is NOT serious about combating corruption, and in fact is colluding .

Silva Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:09 AM

WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT ‘LOVE’

shanthapriya Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:23 AM

Thanks to Ravi all other corrupted politicians can be escaped (in this govt and previous govt as well)

Sunil Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:23 AM

Eka walle pol.

Sunil Tuesday, 25 July 2017 12:16 PM

Coconuts of the same bunch.

kilinochchi Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:25 AM

Wah, what a feat of valor.. !! Perhaps because of this heroic act he was named as best finance minister of Asia.. lol.. SL has plenty of this type of thugs.

DHA Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:37 AM

This is not a very surprising news usually all politician come to power via the poor man's vote and live in palaces.....our voters have to take the blame for this time and time again they are simply making these thieves flourish.....

dinesh Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:43 AM

Horungeth horu...kamba horu....

sobers Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:45 AM

These are nothing new, Entire Politicians are crooks and stooges are no better. Innocent public will keep on paying taxes for the benefit of Politicians. remember this country will neither be a developed country or a developing country. It will be an example for a country ruined by politicians.

Missaka Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:47 AM

How this government came to power and conduct themselves now! Spilling (Smelling) the Good Governance.

Don Tuesday, 25 July 2017 11:04 AM

I am unp but I approve this revelation of corruption. Expose them all and prosecute them. via DM Android App

Keyboard Warrior Tuesday, 25 July 2017 11:15 AM

The hypocrisy and fallacy of Yahapaalanaya. Ranil and his band of thieves looting the country while the people suffer through their overall maladministration. The same villains promoting good governance are being fed and sheltered by rogues par excellence. No investment, no development, no leadership, never ending strikes.. God bless Sri Lanka.

ceylon Tuesday, 25 July 2017 11:25 AM

so far nothig wrong.nothing illeagal.ravi is a billionaire from decades ago. via DM Android App

saman Tuesday, 25 July 2017 11:41 AM

He is a billionaire now but decades ago he was just an accountant

Nina Kamal Tuesday, 25 July 2017 11:49 AM

What a SHAME! and rest assure more to COME!

Bosevena Tuesday, 25 July 2017 12:01 PM

What about the awards The Best Finance Minister in Asia and who suggested this award and how can he go wrong?The present Govt. should first correct the wrong doers in the present Government and sack them and give bright lightto their ruling . Failing Audios to the Government.

Nalin Tuesday, 25 July 2017 12:32 PM

it is a fact that Ravi K had no family wealth. And now to hear the amounts being bandied around one would think that this is the richest country in the world and not an eternal "Banana Republic." One could also understand as to why the UNP leadership were trying their best to cover up the Bond scam. I am sure there is more dirt to come out.

Steve Tuesday, 25 July 2017 02:33 PM

It was the Raja Paks.Long before and even now, his house been located along parliment drive.If he has submitted his assets before elections and has no issues there is nothing that can be done,

ceylon Tuesday, 25 July 2017 02:25 PM

find out and punish if any wrong doing.what can see here is he bought from a bad man.why no action for multy billion corruption from mahinda regime . via DM Android App

ceylon Tuesday, 25 July 2017 02:27 PM

picture is very clear.trying to throw mud at ravi because he dont pay billions of bribes.no action for ex regime because they pay billions. via DM Android App

Tony Perera Tuesday, 25 July 2017 02:38 PM

Disce ( A*****) aut discede!!!!!!

RK Tuesday, 25 July 2017 02:45 PM

This is why he was selected as best FM Asia. He teachs the world how to live luaxry with no money. No two words he is worst FM we ever had with the blessing of our Horrible PM

MaheshJayaa Tuesday, 25 July 2017 02:47 PM

This is very clearly proved that RK is guilty for take in bribery . where is the law in this country?

ceylon Tuesday, 25 July 2017 02:48 PM

why mud throwing to ravi .he didnt brake law.he bought a property and paid.why let corrupt rajapaksa theives enjoying luxuries from looted money . via DM Android App

Citizen Tuesday, 25 July 2017 03:31 PM

Hello Ravi

Sue Wednesday, 26 July 2017 10:21 AM

But Ravi did not pay from his own money. Arjun Aloysius paid his huge rent for several months? The question is WHY and what did Alosyius get in return?.

nimal Tuesday, 25 July 2017 03:18 PM

Sri Lankan parliament is the full of shit. Shit of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims.... Beautiful country is going to vanish due to these Ministers and Mps.... Cannot blame them because we are the people elected them...

AW Tuesday, 25 July 2017 03:20 PM

Shame! As a voter of Yahapalana Government, now I'm searching for a place to hide. Ravi K should step down from all posts.

nimal Tuesday, 25 July 2017 03:25 PM

No wonder the renovation cost also paid by Arjun.. Just imagine then how much will be the renovation cost since the rental was 12mn for 8 months...

sunil Tuesday, 25 July 2017 03:58 PM

This shows corruption has always been going on right from 1948, The only difference today is because of social media, globalisation and people being more educated and intelligent, it is getting into the public domain. Most of the rich in Col 3 and 7 are fully occupied in this business. Always putting through deals and doing favours to one another.

OMG Tuesday, 25 July 2017 04:32 PM

NOW WE ALL KNOW WHY AWARD WINNING FINANCE MINISTER WAS REMOVED. NOW WE KNOWN WHY HE TOOK THE LOTTERY MINISTRY WITH HIM. NOW WE KNOW HOW MINISTERS HIDE AND USE THE STOLEN MONEY UNDER DIFFERENT COMPANIES AND PEOPLE NAME. OH MAN COUNTRY IS BECOMING MASTERS OF MASTER CHEATERS IN THE WORLD. SAME INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE REVEALED ON RAJAPAKSA FAMILY.

Nihal Amarasekera Tuesday, 25 July 2017 04:43 PM

Can we say, Arjun Mahendran, Vini, Vidi Vici (I came, I saw, I conquered - of course at the behest of RW). What a shame this gang of robbers, I regret (in a way) for voting for them. Did somebody say Mr. clean is exposed with a lot of shit?

Eng.M.V.R.Perera Tuesday, 25 July 2017 04:45 PM

why are you all judging Minister Ravi in this manner for he is a businessmen and he will be able to explain every thing as such wait till he gives evidence and see what the commission as to say

Senewi Tuesday, 25 July 2017 05:16 PM

It is a peanut for a man how swallowed ships.

sunil Tuesday, 25 July 2017 05:19 PM

Shame Shame Shame. Corrupt People are becoming rich using national wealth of the people - selling shares at inflated prices to public trusts/ funds, deliberately undervaluing assets and buying them cheap (Sl Insurance valued by EY, PWC), cheating customs and inland revenue by undervaluing goods and income. Public must voice their concerns and not allow this to happen,

cineha Tuesday, 25 July 2017 09:26 PM

.......and the lotteries board was given to him b'cos he was against corruption at the lotteries board...HIC...HIc...Hic...hic.....

Eksith Fernando Tuesday, 25 July 2017 10:24 PM

The Minister must step down. If he does not, he must be removed. Mr. Prime Minister what have you to say? We wanted a change and is this what the people of this country.get?

Sunil Wednesday, 26 July 2017 09:13 AM

It is hard to believe that Ranil would not have known about these shady deals all along.

Sue Wednesday, 26 July 2017 10:23 AM

Well done exposing the UNP scams. Now bring out the mega million dollar scams and murders of the Rajapaksa family and Govt. being swept under the carpet by Ranil and his stooges.

margosa Wednesday, 26 July 2017 02:48 PM

Folks,We must understand one thing - ppl like him will do anything and get about freely and at ease - their families will enjoy all the amassed wealth for generations. They are set in style for another couple of decades at least.They don't care about what we citizens have to say.They know they can get away with any jugglery - so there??

renu Wednesday, 26 July 2017 02:55 PM

If it is true please give up your FM post and get out of politics > We did not vote you in for this kind of thing RAVI

razz Thursday, 27 July 2017 11:40 AM

Ravi Karunanayake, if this is proved you must leave the UNP first and the politics do not spoil the party as you are not a real UNPer keep that in mind.

sunil r abeyratne Thursday, 27 July 2017 12:01 PM

Next exposure will be the mastermind and main beneficiary of this bond scam: Ranil Wickremesinghe.

ET Tuesday, 01 August 2017 09:54 AM

IRD, Check whether Anika has paid tax on this apartment rentals from the start. Is she the daughter of a famous personality who pays bribes to get sales done ? And how she got funds to buy such an apartment. While we should prosecute Ravi and Aloysios if proven guilty we should also look at who do not pay taxes.

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Aloysius paid Ravi’s penthouse lease rental: Anika

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