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Last Updated : 2024-04-28 10:44:00
15 December 2023 05:01 pm - 58 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Colombo, Dec 15 - Sri Lanka’s public security minister, Tiran Alles, is the first sitting Sri Lankan minister to be identified in the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists’ Pandora Papers data trove as having offshore holdings.
An ICIJ analysis of the leaked records and U.K.’s public property register shows that Alles, a media tycoon and politician, owns two British Virgin Islands companies that hold properties in London.
The Pandora Papers is a trove of 11.9 million leaked documents obtained by ICIJ that were at the core of a 2021 global investigation exposing the financial deals and hidden assets of politicians, celebrities, business people and criminals in more than 200 countries. The files came from 14 offshore service providers that specialized in setting up shell companies and trusts in tax havens and secrecy jurisdictions.
ICIJ’s analysis shows that Alles’ Brompton Properties Ltd. owns a flat in an affluent area of London that was purchased for about $960,000 in 2006.
His second BVI company, Banham Ventures Ltd., has owned a separate property near the city’s posh Chelsea neighborhood since 2008. U.K. records don’t list the purchase price.
The funds used to finance the BVI companies came from Alles’ work as a businessman, according to a declaration in the leaked files.
In 2017, a notary who penned a reference letter included in the Pandora Papers data, described Alles as “a very enterprising and very enthusiastic business entrepreneur” in Sri Lanka and “the pillar of strength behind the success” of Apogee Group, a business consultancy firm, and Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd., which owns the Ceylon Today newspaper and other dailies.
Alles did not respond to ICIJ’s requests for comment.
In the 1980s, Alles, now 63, founded telecommunications company Communication & Business Equipment. He entered politics in 2010, after a stint as the head of the Civil Aviation Authority. He was appointed Sri Lanka’s public security minister in charge of the police last year, during the country’s political and economic crisis that culminated with the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Leaked files from Overseas Management Company, the financial services provider that administered Alles’ BVI companies, did not identify him as a politically exposed person, a type of client that, due to their prominent position, requires providers to conduct stricter due diligence checks because of a higher risk of involvement in corruption or money laundering.
OMC did not respond to ICIJ’s questions about Alles, citing confidentiality reasons. A spokesperson for the firm said in an email that OMC complies with “all applicable laws” and “maintains a robust compliance program, including due diligence policies and procedures.”
The Pandora Papers documents list Alles as a dual resident of Sri Lanka and the U.K., at a London address that was used as the registered office of Gateway Educational Services (UK) Ltd. In 2006, U.K. corporate records described the business purpose of the London entity as “investment in property for the promotion of nursery education.”
The company appears to be linked to Alles’ Gateway Group, a group of elite private schools founded by his late father. One of the schools provided free tutoring to the son of then-president Mahinda Rajapaksa, according to a 2007 U.S. diplomatic cable published in Sri Lankan media.
The Gateway Group did not respond to questions from ICIJ.
The Pandora Papers connection
Sri Lankan newspapers began reporting about Alles being identified in the Pandora Papers data in early November, after reporters and members of the public found his name in the ICIJ’s Offshore Leaks Database. The public database contains information on more than 810,000 offshore entities that appeared in leaked documents obtained by ICIJ since 2012, which have led to several investigations, including the Pandora Papers and the Panama Papers. ICIJ publishes the names of companies, shareholders, owners and other information included in the files. It does not publish entire sets of records.
Alles told reporters at The Island daily who inquired about the findings that “singling out his name was a mischievous effort to tarnish his reputation.”
There are legitimate uses for offshore companies, such as those owned by Alles. Sri Lankan authorities have not opened an investigation into the politician’s holdings, The Island reported.
The public security minister is one of four Sri Lankan politically connected people identified in the Pandora Papers so far. (The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists)
Leo Friday, 15 December 2023 05:24 PM
Isn't he managing virgin island accounts on behalf of JVP?
Neo Friday, 15 December 2023 05:26 PM
Here goes Fonseka's former party leader.
Mk Friday, 15 December 2023 05:44 PM
ZERO ZERO. INVESTIGATION
Alan Friday, 15 December 2023 05:47 PM
These are the corrupt buggers the sri lankan public depend on for security and survival.
NV Jen Friday, 15 December 2023 05:48 PM
Is there any non-corrupt minister from SLPP in this government? As usual Ranil will appoint a committee and do sweet nothing thereafter!
Harrin Wijesinghe Friday, 15 December 2023 05:51 PM
One person gave 645 million to LTTE to bring Mahinda to power LTTE used thats money to kill and disable so many security forces. Then we made this person our Public security Minister. Aren't we a shamless bunch of people?
Punish these criminals Friday, 15 December 2023 05:53 PM
Let's hope JVP comes into power so that we can seize the illgotten assets from these criminals. Sri Lanka can go from bankruptcy to prosperity in six months.
Liberal One Friday, 15 December 2023 08:01 PM
Are you serious? Sarath Fonseka and JVP once contested under Tiran Alles's party. You guys don't know anything that is not in facebook don't you?
Smh Friday, 15 December 2023 10:03 PM
Were you unborn during the JVP insurgency? Your comment is insensitive. JVP is no better than LTTE in their atrocities. That's what they are capable of.
Pulasthi Friday, 15 December 2023 10:43 PM
Totally right. Rajapaksa's got enough stolen money to prosper the whole country within few days
Abigail Friday, 15 December 2023 11:53 PM
By the time when JVP takes the power, Sri Lanka will become the New Cuba and North Korea. World Powers will further isolate Sri Lanka. How can you be naive and not think what JVP can possibly do? Also JVP doesn't have economic recovery policies, they are on populist policy which can negatively impact Sri Lanka and it is the reputation.
Ranil the protector of criminals Friday, 15 December 2023 05:57 PM
I wonder how our sleazy president is going to cover this horrible crime up. This is probably the tip of the iceberg.
Paramanathan Saturday, 16 December 2023 05:32 AM
Our president Ranil covered up the biggest scam in the history of country which is Bond scam ran into billions. He even appointed the most notorious crook of all time Ravi Karunanayake as the man behind all the heist, as the Minister of Finance. In other words, from the position of former PM and president he aided and abetting the top crooks. He is a crook of the highest order.
Abd Sunday, 17 December 2023 06:28 AM
@ Paramanadan, but we need to praise some (good /bad)qualities of RW,he never let down RK or Arjun M anytime,kept next to him,always gave his special care and reception , like how he treated rapist Gonawila Sunil, he guards his cohorts throughout ,
Raven Friday, 15 December 2023 06:11 PM
This is old hat. What matters is that he came forward to help form a govt to save Sri Lanka in 2021 when it mattered most. It was a motley crew at that time.
ACA Friday, 15 December 2023 06:12 PM
What about money saved from LTTE bribe. I will vote for any party promised to send these thief’s to jail after next election.
Nilmini Welivita Friday, 15 December 2023 06:13 PM
This is propaganda from leftist JVP foreign supporters to discredit honorable politicians in SriLanka.
Graham Saturday, 16 December 2023 02:40 AM
We know you are in Mahindas left pocket.
Onlooker Friday, 15 December 2023 06:14 PM
If he has so much, imagine the Rajapakses. Any wonder our country is bankrupt for Pounds
ravin Friday, 15 December 2023 06:36 PM
Most probably he may have hide his funds for his own security. Big question is how he earned (source of income) so much funds to hide in tax havens.
Sandy Friday, 15 December 2023 06:42 PM
In short the politicians who jump from one party to another do it for a reason or many reasons
Gune Friday, 15 December 2023 06:52 PM
If he is running a legit business why does he have to hide is cash and invest through BIV companies. What Ranjan said before is true. “Kama Horu”. Today this man is Ranil’s confidant.
Voter Friday, 15 December 2023 07:12 PM
Voters should decide now whom to vote…Ranil is protecting them all….
Ranil bashing at its peak Friday, 15 December 2023 08:50 PM
"Ranil Bashing" as usual. How convenient it is to conclude that Ranil is/was the sinner for all the money earned by others! This man is a successful businessman. Period.
Hashini Saturday, 16 December 2023 11:17 AM
It is not bashing. He is the one protecting and safeguarding the criminals judged by the courts for bankrupting an entire nation when a rightful leader or any developed country would take action agaisnt such people and recover stolen money.
Punchi Friday, 15 December 2023 07:14 PM
So this is where some of the income earned from white van activity was invested
Dan Friday, 15 December 2023 07:18 PM
What happened to the investigation on Nirupama Rajapaksa
Mokan Friday, 15 December 2023 07:38 PM
Where the hell he is getting all the money
Abigail Friday, 15 December 2023 11:56 PM
inheritance and corruption.
Kapila priyantha Friday, 15 December 2023 07:50 PM
So what duminda nagahsmuwa claim for Tiran and jvp is correct
Puswadilla Friday, 15 December 2023 07:55 PM
You public SERVANTS? Inland Rev servants, What have you to say?
Ramath Friday, 15 December 2023 08:27 PM
And this joker is the public security minister.. joke
DJ Friday, 15 December 2023 11:35 PM
Absolutely. What a joke Sri Lanka is. He will get away just like the rest
Ranil Friday, 15 December 2023 08:50 PM
It's not a crime to own property, bank accounts and investments abroad. However not disclosing the assets as required is a judicial violation and betrayal of one's oath as an MP. Covering up for the undisclosed is an obstruction of justice. But the rule-of-law applies only to a law abiding country and society. Not applicable to our Neanderthal's criminal paradise.
Jayantha Friday, 15 December 2023 10:11 PM
Lets see how imf and icc the two worlds most corrupt organizations respond. Future people government should not pay a single dollar given by imf rogues to this government full of theives and full of corruption
Akila Friday, 15 December 2023 10:23 PM
This sc.mbag is the security minister, Ranil what do you have to say now.
melville perera Friday, 15 December 2023 11:42 PM
yet another dual citizenship exposed violating election laws and also does it not violate his oath of allegiance under his current sensitive appointment and it would very interesting if his declaration of unimaginable assets were reflected in the relevant form
Rene Saturday, 16 December 2023 12:19 AM
This guy is best to known to his business partners, be careful because carnivorous fool
Jinthupalan Appanam Saturday, 16 December 2023 12:26 AM
A great news! Well done minister - keep doing while people are struggling! You also need something!
L Jaya Saturday, 16 December 2023 01:18 AM
I remember his father was the first principal of DS Senanayake College, a genuine gentleman and one of my friends who was his staff talks highly on his father. How could this bloke became a rogue and a master dealer? Could be learnt from Rajapaksas. What a pathetic situation, everywhere you look you find majority are rogues
Tax Payer Saturday, 16 December 2023 01:30 AM
Just imagine if this third rate minister can have Multi-Million dollar assets locked away safely from ill gotten monies how many B$ must the poor Rajapakse clan must have in similar shell-companies in Carmen Island, British Virgin Islands and Swiss Banks? Any surprise why SL is so poor?
Ram Saturday, 16 December 2023 01:36 AM
Hondan honda sellam elivena jameta
All Less Saturday, 16 December 2023 03:32 AM
If Alles is a dual resident of Sri Lanka and the U.K., how can he be an MP of the Sri Lankan Parliament?
Mahila Saturday, 16 December 2023 03:54 AM
This is the BEST, ULTIMATE and SOLE QUALIFICATION to hold CABINET RANK in Pohottuwa backed Government!!!??? Otherwise, considered devoid of qualifications!!!??? “THATHWAYAK NATHTHA” – ‘NO THUTS’ – hold such ESTEEMED position!!!??? They would claim so in 1950’S and 60’S University of Ceylon amidst COOLER CLIMES of Central Hills, Predominantly Radala clanship, not that there are many now in the Cabinet after the southern Influx, last 20 years, replacing the ‘B’ Tree to ‘R’ Tree political Landscape, which a special feat by itself!!!??? LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT to RELISH!!!??? The Honourable Minister must be well accorded, gaining such STATURE, than CONDEMNED!!!???
Mahila Saturday, 16 December 2023 04:11 AM
The Honourable is the most qualified by this evidence, to be amongst his PEERS, though not of high esteem of BILLIONS in ‘favoured currency’ of the world!? ‘ONE ----- RECOGNISES the OTHER’, AS LONG AS YOU, KEEP STEP!? All in this world of INTEGRITY, “You scratch Mine, and I’ll return the FAVOUR!? SL Sovereign Parliament!?
Susan Saturday, 16 December 2023 05:04 AM
Ex president MS once revealed in public that the money borrowed from Chinese bank in the guise of Nilwala river project for higher interest was transferred to MR’s niece Nirupama rajapaksha’s account, what action taken to bring back those stolen money
AJ Saturday, 16 December 2023 05:07 AM
Does this man mentioned this asset in his income tax documents
You will dance in the nude Saturday, 16 December 2023 06:13 AM
Tick Tock...Tick Tock the clock is ticking and Welikada beckons for those hiding inside Pandoras box.
Eranga R Saturday, 16 December 2023 06:16 AM
Who arranged for the LTTE to be bribed, so that northeast Tamils would boycott the elections in 2005?
Indra Dasa Saturday, 16 December 2023 06:31 AM
Any legitimate investment in any where in the world is not an issue for an any individual living in the world . However if some one representing general public or holding a post in public interest such as a portfolio in a cabinet of any country in the word or a sitting member of parliament must have legitimate documents to prove how he or she earned that wealth as well as should be declared all of wealth in the assets register in the parliament with the documentation to prove how he or she earned those wealth.
M Fernando Saturday, 16 December 2023 07:25 AM
President Ranil Please save our minister from this situation and tell the suddas to gubber off. We don't care what they think.
senaka Saturday, 16 December 2023 07:30 AM
what a joke, oh wait its always been like this for all ministers in srilanka, they will always get away by saying international conspiracy lol
VJ Saturday, 16 December 2023 08:16 AM
The people of Sri Lanka deserve this and more. They will not learn, majority of them do not have the IQ or the power of reasoning to make wise decisions for themselves and the country. Of course they are literates meaning can read and write. In the next election, they will vote for these criminals again and will not have any remorse whatsoever.
Mohamed Adham Saturday, 16 December 2023 09:09 AM
Ranil sleezebag would pretend to be deaf and dumb. This is the very same person who brought the other scumbag to acting IGP positiion.
Mother of all despicable Saturday, 16 December 2023 09:40 AM
The properties with businesses like the 'oh so convenient' Gateway Nurseries in tuck with brother Hirsha (supposedly a medical doctor) in London, Oxford and elsewhere in the 1990s amounts to several million GBP. How can such vast amounts be generated from running mediocre companies in Sri Lanka in a matter of 10 yrs?? Running errands to notorious murderers, acting as go between for underworld gang leaders....?
sam Saturday, 16 December 2023 12:33 PM
This is what has been found. Who knows how many more properties are owned by this looter.?
UAli Sunday, 17 December 2023 06:40 AM
He too label as financial executioner alone with rajapaksha family and others ,if he is not make public statement on how he accumulated such amount of wealth and believe that wealth also declared in income tax declaration
Sirina Hettiwatta Monday, 18 December 2023 06:59 AM
RW appoint a committee and find there is no wrong doing! Same thing for Paga Pala and Kappam Thunga!
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