MR’s family has no links with alleged fraudster Thilini Priyamali - Former President’s Office
7 October 2022 07:04 pm
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's office today denied reports circulating on social media, linking the former president and his family members to the owner of Thico Group Private Ltd Thilini Priyamali who has been remanded over allegedly misappropriating large sums of money while operating a luxurious office at World Trade Center in Colombo.
Rajapaksa's office in a statement said that the reports and pictures circulating on social media were false and baseless.
"A picture that has been circulated showing Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa attending a function which was also attended by Thilini Priyamali was taken in March last year when Mrs. Rajapaksa had attended the launch of a movie production and musical show," the statement said.
The event which was also attended by senior politicians and artistes was held under the patronage of the Sri Lanka Film Corporation and an invitation had been extended to Mrs. Rajapaksa by the Film Corporation Chairman, the statement added.
"The Former President's office catergorically denies of any links between Mrs. Rajapaksa or any of the Former President's family members with Thilini Priyamali and condemns the actions of some individuals who are circulating the concerning picture, with ulterior motives," the statement said.
Thilini Priyamali was yesterday ordered to be remanded till October 19 after being produced before Colombo Fort Magistrate’s court over allegedly misappropriating Rs.226 million, USD 60,000, and Australian $100,000 while operating a luxurious office.
The CID alleged that the suspect had befriended several businessmen running their business operations adjacent to her office and had obtained money from businessmen by promising high returns.