43 former MPs claim Rs. 1.2 Bn compensation for houses damaged during Aragalaya period: Nalinda

6 February 2025 03:56 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 67 Bookmark

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By Ajith Siriwardena and Yohan Perera

Colombo, February 6 (Daily Mirror)- Some 43 former MPs have obtained compensation for a tune of Rs. 1.2 billion for the damages caused to their houses and property during the Aragalaya incidents, Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa alleged in Parliament today.

He told Parliament that they have claimed massive compensations by influencing government officials to overestimate damages caused to their houses.

Dr. Jayatissa said 43 former MPs have claimed a total of Rs. 1.224 billion by influencing government officers to overestimate damages caused to their houses.

He said former MP Kapila Nuwan Athukorala has been paid Rs 504,000 as compensation while Wimalaweera Dissanayake has been paid Rs 550,000, Geetha Kumarasinghe Rs 922,000, Janaka Tissakuttiarachchi Rs 1.1 million, Gunapala Ratnasekera Rs 1.4 million, Premnath Dolawatte Rs Rs 2.3 million, Priyankara Jayaratne Rs 2.3 million, S. Athukorala Rs 2.5 million, Jayantha Ketagoda Rs 2.8 million, Wimal Weerawansa Rs 2.9 million, Channa Jayasumana Rs 3.3 million, Akila Ellawala Rs 3.5 million, Chamal Rajapaksa Rs 6.5 million, Asoka Priyantha Rs 7.2 million, Chandima Weerakkody Rs 6.9 million, Samanpriya Herath Rs 10.5 million, Rohitha Abeygunawardena Rs 11.6 million, Seetha Arambepola Rs 13.7 million, Sahan Pradeep 17.1 million, Shehan Semasinghe Rs 18.5 million, Indika Anuruddha Rs 19.5 million, Milan Jayatilaka Rs 22.3 million, Ramesh Pathirana Rs 28.1 million, Duminda Dissanayake Rs 28.8 million, Kanka Herath Rs 29.2 million, D. B. Herath Rs 32.1 million, Prasanna Ranaweera Rs 32.7 million, W. Weerasinghe Rs 37.2 million, Santha Bandara Rs 39.1 million, S. M. Chandrasena Rs 43.8 million, Sanath Nishantha Rs 42.7 million, Siripala Gamlath Rs 50.9 million, Arundika Fernando Rs 55.2 million, Sumith Udukumubura Rs 55.9 million, Prasanna Ranatunga Rs 56. 1 million, Kokila Gunawardene Rs 58. 7 million, Mohan P. De Silva Rs 60.1 million, Nimal Lanza Rs 69.2 million, Ali Sabry Rahim Rs. 70.9 million, Gamini Lokuge Rs 74.9 million, Johnston Fernando Rs 93.4 million and Keheliya Rambukwella Rs 95.9 million.

Comments - 67

Aela Thursday, 06 February 2025 04:19 PM

The namelist appears to be straight from the rogues gallery.

6 43

Tissakuttyarachchi Friday, 07 February 2025 12:08 AM

These are the disgraceful political parasites who stole the country to bankruptcy. Any compensation paid above RS 1 million should be recovered back to the Treasury.

0 0

Suranimala Friday, 07 February 2025 05:04 AM

Appears like an inside job carried out by those mp’s by themselves using their cronies to get compensation.

0 0

Dilshan Perera Thursday, 06 February 2025 04:24 PM

Confiscate all their assets, including all assets of all family members and all close relatives, all close associates and friends.. This is only way to recover everything, as for sure it is all stolen and corrupt. They should all be penniless.. Then impose death penalty on them all, to wipe out their families without a trace..

9 41

Sajith Friday, 07 February 2025 03:25 AM

These monies were distributed under the authority of Ranil. All these properties should be confiscated and auctioned. He sold thle country robbed and distributed what is left before his exit. The result is no rice , no eggs , no coconuts etc.etc .. and there are still people praising the crook.

0 1

Citizen2023 Thursday, 06 February 2025 04:34 PM

Who approved such large sums? Has any valuation provided by a recognised valuer? The NPP should take action to verify whether the claims by the ex-politicians justified? The Govt auditor should be given the task of verifying the bona-fide of such claims. If over-valued, the govt should recover the excess amount.

3 48

lion Friday, 07 February 2025 04:27 AM

Without any hesitant SEEYA ( Ranil Rajapaksha) approved all of the payment with glee to take the rouges in to his side.

0 1

Ram P Thursday, 06 February 2025 04:37 PM

If the last government gave any money to some to have their houses repaired, that was the decision by the then President. I cannot see any reason for paying damages to repair these houses that were damaged by Aragalaya people. That was not sponsored by the government for the government to take responsibility. Any one who want damages can sue the government and listen to the court decision

22 16

Damien Thursday, 06 February 2025 04:37 PM

What about thousands and thousands of houses damaged, burnt to the ground, loss of life since 1958, 1977, 1983 houses bombed by the forces for no reasons, people disappeared and more and more. One that is good for the goose, is good for the gander. Public money including taxes paid by North and East cannot and should not be used for former MPs pleasures. They should repair out of their own pocket. Otherwise file actions in court against those who unlawfully damaged your house.

4 61

Ruk tree Thursday, 06 February 2025 04:43 PM

Outrageous!!

5 37

Excellent revelation. Thank you. Thursday, 06 February 2025 04:46 PM

Your people destroyed these MP's houses and also murdered an innocent MP during the Aragalaya period. Some of these MPs may have committed frauds. However, that does not mean your comrades have the right and authority to go on burning down the houses of these MPs (which your people are highly accustomed to). Conduct impartial inquiries against these MPs, file charges in courts and let the courts decide. As usual, the NPP government is pouring out statements about the presidential fund, former presidents' benefits, etc. without any palpable work done (or at least initiated) for socio-economic revival. Now it is high time you show that your government is capable of working. No longer you can say that "we are still new. Give us more time". I consider my vote to the NPP government an utter waste!

67 31

sam Thursday, 06 February 2025 04:50 PM

This is official looting!

7 47

Nalinda Thursday, 06 February 2025 04:55 PM

Highest amount received by Keheliya! Always the Batch Topper!

0 54

Anura Kumara Thursday, 06 February 2025 04:57 PM

Was any action taken to trace the group responsible for destroying 43 houses islandwide on the same night?

13 29

Saugeetha Thursday, 06 February 2025 05:07 PM

Now investigate how they had wealth to that value.

2 32

Grace Thursday, 06 February 2025 05:37 PM

The 43 Former MPs should take a long walk together, when return home, drink glasses of ice water and have sweet dreams.

2 3

IF ANURA/NPP/GOVT CANNOT WIPED OUT CORRUPTION AND ALL PROMISES ON MANIFESTO LIST AND MUCH MORE NOONE AND OR NO OTHER GOVERNMENT CAN. Thursday, 06 February 2025 05:41 PM

THIS IS NO BIG NEWS FOR THE MAJORITY OF CITIZENS, WHAT MORE CAN ONE EXPECT FROM THESE CORRUPT SCUMBAGS!!!. SEE ONE WHO HAS GOT LAND THROUGH THE UDA ON LONG LEASES AND A FAMILY MEMBER TOO. DURING THE PAST DECADES IT WAS NOT HOW QUALIFIED AND OR SMART ONE WAS TO DO THE JOB, BUT HOW LOW ONE WOULD BEND TO CORRUPTION FOR A FEE!!.

2 22

Be Fair Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:06 PM

Has these been declared in their IRD statements, grill them now

2 23

mk Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:11 PM

yes as they should. its not peace-loving sri lankans who damage property. its the JVP and goons from Student unions

20 13

Gabriella Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:17 PM

Don't tell us. Do something.

2 17

Yohan Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:22 PM

Why are you telling this is to us. Investigate and take back those amount. Bunch of jokers that works only with their mouth. Also these npp jokers have not taken any action against bond scammers, sugar scammers, recent mega scale container scam, for the guy who took so many passports recently, fake degree holders within npp, what happened to residence occupied by MR. Just talk only no action. Please resign and go home.

23 15

Suhada Malli Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:23 PM

it's ok to reimburse citizens monies for damages caused during a riot. however the rule and the basis must be fair for everyone. eg July 83 riot too houses were burnt did the SL govt re impulse those house owners these type of full amounts? This unfairness creates an abuse of power.

0 21

Darga Town Minuwangoda Digana Friday, 07 February 2025 01:09 AM

What about burnt maimed and killed in Darga Town, Minuwangoda, Digana? Don't they deserve?

0 0

Nihal S Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:24 PM

Abuse of power and corruptions at the highest level. I am sure the politicians can not approve these compensations, it has to be by Government officials. They should be asked to explain the process used and justifications.

1 14

Travis Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:27 PM

First we need to investigate how they build house in the first time and how they got the money

1 16

Johan Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:33 PM

Daytime robbery from President's fund Hope AKD reveals this information in areas where he holds Public meetings.Then area people will know how their representatives .

3 16

Buddhist Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:34 PM

When a civilians house is burnt, he or she has to claim from the insurance company for damages. Why should tax payers pay these MPs? Further how do we know that these MPs have not also claimed from the insurance companies for damages. Anura Kumara please pass a bill in the parliament to recover these monies back from the MPs with interest immediately. If not JVP/NPP will become a party to this crime.

3 21

Gon Aragala Friday, 07 February 2025 04:05 AM

NPP/JVP were indeed a party to this crime of torching houses. It is in their psycho

0 0

JuniorCitizen Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:35 PM

Claimed from where ? If it's from insurance it's nobody's business if the insurance company paid the claim. But if it was tax payers money then they need to be investigated. Isn't this what the new government is here for ?

3 12

They should have had their insurance for fire damage Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:36 PM

SLPP has to be held accountable for the Rs. 1.2 Billion in waste. The MP should have had house insurance policy, if they don't they are not suitable to be MP. It was utterly wrong for Ranil and SLPP to provide any money to the MPs. Look at how much Keheliya Rambukwella got.

2 12

saman Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:51 PM

Thank you Dr. Nalinda, for exposing these corrupt politicians and the money grabbed from our country. Please ask the relevant parties may be police, CID or whoever to investigate and justify their claims. If they cannot prove it, please file legal action against them and recover all the money. Nimal Lanza, Ali Sabri Rahim, Gemini Lokuge, Keheliya and Johnston record breaking achievements!!! That's how may be Johnston paid his excise duty arrears.

3 13

Benjamin George Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:52 PM

Is it possible to recover even 1 Rupee. Then what the heck. Diversion tactic from AG's hypocrisy in Lasantha's case.

3 4

saman Thursday, 06 February 2025 06:52 PM

Hope people will not vote for these corrupt politicians again.

2 14

US Thursday, 06 February 2025 07:14 PM

What an unfair amount of money, which rightfully belongs to innocent taxpayers. Seriously, I doubt these people's minds. how on earth can they claim such massive amounts of government money? The saddest part is that some people are still trying to bring them back to power.

1 14

D S L Thursday, 06 February 2025 07:17 PM

Any clues about who were responsible for the damages? Was history repeating?

3 8

Bernard Jayatilake Thursday, 06 February 2025 07:36 PM

Fresh legislation should be enacted to confiscate their assets and remove their civil rights after making a thorough audit and the relevant officials should be sacked from public service.

2 15

Dr Tissa Fernando Thursday, 06 February 2025 11:15 PM

There is no such law that can be enacted unless you want the country to be run like North Korea.

0 0

Financial expert Thursday, 06 February 2025 07:43 PM

Imagine the financial wealth these MPs may have if they already had obtained bank loans against those burnt properties covered with loan insurance where there is no obligation to pay back the loan once the property is destroyed. I am sure majority of these highly compensated MPs would have done it.

1 9

Dr Tissa Fernando Thursday, 06 February 2025 07:45 PM

In other words , the cost of JVP inflicted house fires was RS 1.2 Billion. Please also , add other economic damages caused by JVP led disruptive and destructive actions during the last 55 years. My estimate is over USD 200 billions.

17 10

Ravana Thursday, 06 February 2025 07:51 PM

After the resurrection of the country, if there is any money remaining, you all can divide whatever is left. Or the amount what you are allocated will be paid to your great rear great grandchildren in the year 2142.

0 0

INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX PAYER SINCE 1974/1975. Thursday, 06 February 2025 09:51 PM

These receipts are TAXABLE in the hand of Individual Income Tax Payers; Inland Revenue Officials shoyuld charge Penalty too if Taxes not paid on time.

2 3

Priyanee Wijesekera Thursday, 06 February 2025 10:04 PM

Aren't they pursuing action against the thugs who committed all this damage ?

4 11

Dr Tissa Fernando Thursday, 06 February 2025 11:13 PM

They are in the government now after getting votes based on blatant lies.

1 0

DHA Thursday, 06 February 2025 10:11 PM

Aiyoooo fed up of this drama at the Parliament what's the point of making this announcement? The Parliament is not an election stage! Mr. President pls control of your team and take charge! Day by day the popularity graph is coming down with a few bunch of jokers!

7 10

Ivor Thursday, 06 February 2025 10:17 PM

How was the tax payers money used to pay for this? If the ordinary citizen had their properties damaged due to riot, civil commotion or public disturbance no govt pay out is paid. One needs to have an Insurance Cover to safeguard ones property from such loss. So, who has blatantly abused his/her position to authorise the use of tax payers money for such payments. THESE MONEY MUST BE RECOVERED TO THE COUNTRIES COFFERS.

1 9

Suranga Hettiarachchi Thursday, 06 February 2025 10:20 PM

Go to court, prove they scammed the govt., confiscate the property, auction it, and recover the losses.

1 8

Dr.Samson Thursday, 06 February 2025 10:24 PM

Yeah, jvp should be responsible for this loss as they created the destruction

9 14

Aquarius Thursday, 06 February 2025 10:44 PM

This is how they looted people's money to meet their own goals - and at a time when the country was going through its worst economic crisis.

2 5

Tom Thursday, 06 February 2025 10:47 PM

Very clever guys (Note Kehelya leads!), see how they have turned the Aragalaya into a profitable venture!

1 7

ෆයිල් ඇත නඩු නැත Thursday, 06 February 2025 11:51 PM

What's the point narrating this to us? Take legal action and do the needful to punish them. Otherwise this is also going to be the same as AKD's file story.

0 0

Nimal R Friday, 07 February 2025 02:47 AM

Believe most of the compensation paid is much more than the cost of damages. Who did the valuation? Is there any possibility of legally getting back the excess amounts paid as it's all taxpayer's money.

0 0

Herman Perera Friday, 07 February 2025 03:12 AM

ROBBING PETER TO PAY PAUL. Whatever happened to peoples houses that were damaged due to GAS EXPLOSIONS. Did they get compensated.

0 0

Soori Maripalan Friday, 07 February 2025 03:24 AM

These Kaalakanni 43 have came with Pin Gon Pina and Kappam Thunga! Change from Pina and Kappama for approving and allowing these funds!

0 0

Chathura Senevirathne Friday, 07 February 2025 03:46 AM

Unfortunately there are some people who want to hand this country back to these people. What can you do when you are this unfortunate

0 0

Rana Friday, 07 February 2025 04:40 AM

u voted for NPP....... liar liar pants on fire!!!

0 0

wickrama Wijayasiri Friday, 07 February 2025 05:31 AM

Sorry, the statute of limitations to claim damages has expired. You should have notified your insurers. If you did not have insurance coverage, too bad. Your problem.

0 0

Daddamark Friday, 07 February 2025 05:50 AM

This was demanded to keep the then President in power and to be eventually used for future election campaigns to remain in power

0 0

Dr. Dee esquire Friday, 07 February 2025 06:04 AM

Someone should estimate the value of the destruction done to this nation by the JVP over the years and continuing! That cost will surpass any sum!

0 0

S P Friday, 07 February 2025 06:54 AM

Very nice distraction! Now it’s not the attorney general and his directives in news but what the MPs were paid that have already been documented. Not that the details are not a concern but what about the country and its citizens who are still struggling? What about ‘Lassana Jeewithayak’ and ‘Pohosath Ratak’ for us? Are our lives getting ‘Lassana’ and ‘Pohosath’? Have we moved an inch in that direction? Have we resolved any issues that have been confronting us? This is a grand show of deception that’s going to end in tears for both the perpetrators and us, the victims!

0 0

A Supporter of NPP Friday, 07 February 2025 07:31 AM

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Cabinet Spokesman says some MPs have claimed compensations more than the limit. If that is the case, why don't you ask them to return the excess that they have claimed?

0 0

Foot note Friday, 07 February 2025 08:06 AM

There should not be any such frauds in future. How hard for an ordinary person to claim compensation? Officials are eager to give them without any hassel. Worst thing is the corrupt system and the attitudes of goony officials have not yet been changed. They are the same until they die, retire or restructure outsourcing methodology.

0 0

Nalinda, you are an asset! Friday, 07 February 2025 08:31 AM

Hey Nalinda, Please do not talk gibberish. In the first place, can you tell us why these large sums were paid to MPs as compensation for their damaged residences? It is because of YOU, the JVP guys, went on burning down the houses of these MPs. If you hadn't resorted to such a measure, then Rs 1.2 billion would have been saved. In fact, your party (JVP) must pay the Rs 1.2 billion from the party's "common fund" to the Treasury as compensation. If someone has amassed wealth through fraudulent means, then there is an established procedure to prosecute them and if found guilty, impound their assets. There is no law in this country to allow the JVP guys to destroy assets of people with the presumption that they have accumulated wealth through illicit means. What about paying compensation to the relatives of people you killed, and assets destroyed in the 70s and the 88-89 period? Why are you silent on these matters? Speak up!!!

0 0

Nihal Friday, 07 February 2025 08:38 AM

Apart from disclosing this information to the public, what actions are you taking as a responsible Government? We want to know how this happened and what measures to avoid a repeat?

0 0

Terrence K Friday, 07 February 2025 08:43 AM

The JVP/NPP talk like Puritans who have been at the bottom of the Aragalaya. My question is during your tenure of rule an uruly mob set fires and destroy the NPP/JVP politicians houses and wealth who will foot the bill. After all if so much of money has been expended to reinstate the destroyed houses and property that is what matters. The public will not consent to pilfering the public purse. Is the JVP/NPP trying to gain some brownie points with the forthcoming local government elections. If the JVP/NPP is not satisfied with the costs this could be referred to the Govt. valuer who will be able to give an impartial assessment at today's rate of inflation!!!!!!

0 0

jo Friday, 07 February 2025 09:43 AM

Have they paid wealth tax earlier for the claimed properties? If not, why should we pay using peoples money?

0 0

sarath gooneratne Friday, 07 February 2025 09:48 AM

GIVE THEM ONLY 1.5 mILLION AT MAXIMUM. iF THEY DONT GIVE BACK THE MONEY THEY STOLE, THEN SELL THEIR HOUSES and other ASSETS TO RECOVER THE MONEY. These are all rogus.

0 0

melville perera Monday, 10 February 2025 09:21 AM

All past regimes now virtually thrown out of the political arena except for one or two half baked stragglers in the current opposition are responsible for the birth of ARAGALAYA and dont deserve a red cent as compensation

0 0

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