CIF files second bribery complaint over Rs. 260 M pilot vessel misuse

Colombo, March 24 (Daily Mirror) - The Civil Intelligence Front (CIF) has filed a second complaint with the Bribery Commission, demanding an immediate investigation into the alleged misuse of a high-tech pilot vessel - acquired in 2019 with Japanese assistance for the Trincomalee Port which was used for an unauthorized private trip, resulting in an accident and a government loss of over Rs. 260 million.

The convenor of the Civil Intelligence Front, Sanjaya Mahawatte, said that the first complaint was filed with the Commission on January 6, 2025, under the reference number AC/220/2025. However, to date, the Commission has not taken any action regarding the complaint.

He added that while an acknowledgment was issued on February 10 confirming receipt of the complaint, no further steps have been taken, including action on the related complaint submitted to the Police Headquarters.

Mahawatte claimed that there is clear evidence that the government has lost millions due to the misuse of state property. He expressed hope that an investigation would be conducted promptly, noting that more than two months have already passed since the complaint was lodged.

He further claimed that those accused in the case are making every effort to conceal evidence. According to sources within the Ports Authority, the main accused, Ghanaka Hemachandra, who currently serves as the Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, is allegedly using his position to cover up the incident.

Mahawatte said that because the damaged vessel is no longer operational, the Ports Authority has suffered significant financial losses. As an alternative, tugboats are being used to push ships, leading to ongoing expenses. The Trincomalee Port handles approximately 20 to 25 maritime operations per month, and nearly 50 percent of those operations have been severely impacted due to the vessel's destruction.

He further explained that using tugboats instead of the high-tech vessel consumes at least 100 litres of diesel per operation, amounting to over 2,000 litres per month. As a result, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has incurred an additional annual cost of approximately 24,000 litres of diesel.

Mahawatte stressed that such unnecessary expenses, funded by public money, amount to a national crime. Based on calculations, he estimated that the Ports Authority has spent nearly Rs. 25 million to Rs. 30 million on extra fuel alone.

He urged the authorities, including the President and the Minister of Ports, to remove the key accused from their positions - namely, Sri Lanka Ports Authority Managing Director Ghanaka Hemachandra and Trincomalee’s current Deputy Harbour Master, Aranpath - and to ensure their full cooperation in the investigation.