COPE Chief accused of engaging in conflict of interest

16 November 2023 09:18 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

COLOMBO (Daily Mirror) - Committtee on Public Enterprises (COPE) Chairman Professor Ranjith Bandara yesterday denied that he was engaged in conflict of interest by associating himself with Sri Lanka cricket (SLC) as a consultant for a project to construct a cricket campus in Kandy.

The drama unfolded after a document was circulated over social media which said Professor Bandara had been a consultant of the Kandy Cricket campus project which had been carried out by SLC in 2018.

Professor Bandara had sat for meetings with SLC CEO Ashley de Silva Professor Asoka Tilakawardane who has been the project manager, Sunil Ariyaratne, Janaka Kuruppu coordinator to Project Manager, .

Professor Bandara when inquired by Daily Mirror said that he did get involved in the project back in 2018 but kept away from the project once he became an MP. “ I developed the concept of Kandy Cricket Campus but I did not accept any payment for it. I worked on a voluntary basis. This cannot have a connection to the current post which I currently hold in Parliament ,” he said.

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Comments - 8

A supporter of the corrupt SLC Thursday, 16 November 2023 11:17 AM

Corrupt SLC Executives know how to obtain the services of some VIPs. For example, a DIG said a few days ago that he was offered a position as a Security Consultant. Even they have the full support of the President. They may have 'bought' the Chairman of 'COPE' as well. There is nothing others could do. Just put up with it or shut up.

Nuwan Thursday, 16 November 2023 12:40 PM

Conflict of interest includes perceived conflict of interest. He should have declared it and stepped aside. Arguing against it makes it worse.

Maliginda gane goda Thursday, 16 November 2023 12:57 PM

According to the aligation in front of him this incident that's enough to resign the his post as educated wll manner gentleman, but we knows he will never take this type of steps, he him self bound to the Rajapak regime to safe guard his entire life. Seamless person !!!!

C.K.Lankaputhra Thursday, 16 November 2023 01:10 PM

All though he dorsn't know, we have seen very clearly his signals and pranks. He is a real bumsuccer of Mahindas and should be kiked out from the Cope.

Big Sam Thursday, 16 November 2023 01:22 PM

These rascals know no bounds.

Ram Thursday, 16 November 2023 02:10 PM

Prof Bandara must be named Absent Minded Prof Bandara if he cannot see that there is a clear conflict of interest

Dan Thursday, 16 November 2023 04:03 PM

The document states Prof Ranjith Bandara - Consultant to SLC - Kandy Cricket Campus project five years ago. If he was providing "honorary services" the least he could have done was to declare his association with SLC prior to this meeting.

dana Thursday, 16 November 2023 08:36 PM

He has dealings with SLC earlier but now only he accepting, it’s decent,if he informed prior to meet SLC officials he hid it,he invited his son to the meeting but kept as secret until media revealed it, his gesticulation and excuse offered also showing how much unwise this professor is,

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COPE Chief accused of engaging in conflict of interest

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