Sun, 28 Apr 2024 Today's Paper

Mahinda, Gota, Basil and others responsible for economic crisis -SC

14 November 2023 03:32 pm - 92     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

COLOMBO (Daily Mirror) - The Supreme Court today held that several respondents including former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and former Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal are responsible for economic crisis in the country.

Accordingly, in a majority decision a Supreme Court five-judge-bench ruled that respondents including former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, the Monetary Board, former CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, former CBSL Governor W.D. Lakshman, former Treasury Secretary S.R. Artigala and former President's Secretaries P.B. Jayasundara and Saman Kumarasinghe have violated public trust. 

The Supreme Court further held that the respondents have breached the fundamental rights to equal protection of the law in terms of Article 12(1) of the Constitution. 

Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya observed that it would not be appropriate to issue an order that the respondents pay compensation to the petitioners since they have not claimed so in their petitions. Therefore, the Supreme Court did not issue an order for compensation. However, the Supreme Court ordered that each petitioners would be entitled to a legal cost of Rs. 150,000 by the respondents.


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 92

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Jtfjutedgy Tuesday, 14 November 2023 03:57 PM

    Thank God the truth has finally come, but what's going to happen, please get those responsible and jail them for ever, thank you supreme court.

    hisham Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:25 PM

    Recover losses as much as possible from their assets and inheritance

    G,A.D.Sirimal Tuesday, 14 November 2023 06:43 PM

    When Mahinda Rajapaksa was charged for misappropriating government funds - helping Hambantota, he was acquitted by the former Chief Justice Sarath N.Silva, which he later said was a mistake.However it was not revoked. Hence it would appear misappropriation of government stays legal. This is my poor understanding, subject to correction.

    Gihan Tuesday, 14 November 2023 03:58 PM

    What next? Impound their passports. Arrest them. Try them.

    Joe Tuesday, 14 November 2023 06:43 PM

    This should be circulated to all Sinhala readers. Otherwise same set will come back in some form or other.

    Rexjarkie Tuesday, 14 November 2023 09:32 PM

    Rs 150,000/= per person is insufficent at least Rs1billion each should have being imposed arrest them and impound their passport for even

    Sivalingam Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:01 PM

    So now what?

    Kandiah Balendran Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:02 PM

    Ceylon Chamber of Conmen as well for fleecing the customers.

    Nimal Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:02 PM

    Nothing new. The whole world already knew it.

    Mahinda Mendis Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:21 PM

    Not only politicians in srilanka. They are in power maximjm5 to 10 years. But. All the Government Officers From GRAMA NILADHARY TO PERMANENT SECRETARY TO THE ALL THE MINISTRIES .INCLUDING SRILANKA CENTRAL BANK ALL THE STAFFS MUST RESPONCENLE FOR THIS ECONOMIC DOWN-TURN OF SRILANKA.. SINCE 48 YEARS , THESE ALL GOVERMENT OFFICERS ARE IN THERE ARE RESPINCENLE OFF ICE S. 60% OF THESE STAFFS ARE COMPLETE LY WRONG .MIS HANDLLE PUBLIC FUNDS. MOST OF THE IN SRILANKA THEY EAT S 2 MEALS ONLY. EVENTHOUGH.!AGAIN THESE COURREPT 15 LAKHS GOVERNMDNG STAFFS GETTING SALARYS HIKE FROM NEW BUGEHT.. PRIVET SECTOR STAFFS ARE 89 LAKHS . NOTHING SALARY INCREAMENT.

    The curse of the Gods will fall on them Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:03 PM

    This is somethingthe entire country knew and the extent to which the country has fallen in economic terms can be assessed if these culprits are made to declare the assets robbed from the country.

    Sam Silva Tuesday, 14 November 2023 06:30 PM

    We all knew but we know nothing will be done or could be done. Our president is sheltering these individuals. What about the bond scam and why not mentioning the responsible individuals because that impacted the economy too.

    Shalani Tharaka Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:04 PM

    Told ya, what about Dilith Jaraweera.

    Nimal Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:04 PM

    It will be written into the history books of SL. The family that destroyed a nation.

    Robin Banks Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:04 PM

    Mishandling is a very soft description of what really took place which was stealing from investment loans at exorbitant interest rates that went into non-performing investments and the plunder of assets of the country. This was akin to an invasion of an enemy army in medevil times.

    rbh Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:08 PM

    After the Aragalaga action, this came out otherwise nothing was audited and brought to notice.

    Ram Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:19 PM

    How did the court miss the gang who managed the economy from 2015 to 2019 and the great Bank robbery. Is that for the second innings

    Sam Silva Tuesday, 14 November 2023 06:32 PM

    Exactly. Was wondering the same.

    Interim committee Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:21 PM

    Now please allow the interim committee in cricket, there lies the power of money.

    ravin Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:22 PM

    confiscate all their tangible and intangible assets and recover as much as possible?

    Vis Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:23 PM

    All these people are old and have many coutries to go and live.. thier next gen will come back to rob you dry... They removed Srimao's civic rights, she came back stronger.. Politics is the only profession you can fool all the people all the time..

    CitizenP Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:24 PM

    100% correct verdict.

    Observer Wednesday, 15 November 2023 12:08 AM

    Correct verdict!!! No wonder, now all those 69 lacks will come to the street with the blessing of Ranil to demonstrate against the supreme court verdict. Still we are a gullible nation.

    Jayantha Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:24 PM

    So what is next.

    Anura Hettiarachchi Tuesday, 14 November 2023 07:08 PM

    end of the story (most probable)

    Rathanavali Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:25 PM

    Good! Shows there is no more executive meddling with the judiciary. That is something to be happy about.

    Saman Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:27 PM

    They arr responsible for mishandling the economic crisis.Then who is responsible for the economic crisis ?

    Buddhist Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:29 PM

    What is the punishment? If no punishment is given why waste so much of time and money in proceeding with this case? Their civic rights should be removed.

    Gaff Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:30 PM

    Further band lifetime involvement of any kind of politics including any family members Namal baby too

    A Poor Sri Lankan Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:33 PM

    It is wrong to say Rajapaksas mishandled the economic crisis. They should get the credit for creating an economic crisis.

    Nimal Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:34 PM

    Will this be another "niddoskota, nidahas" debacle or will the culprits who treated national wealth as "Daisy Achchi'' property be brought to justice.

    Good Citizen Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:34 PM

    What is next ? Will they punished ? Don't worry everything will be under the carpet as usual!!!!

    Ranjan Perera Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:55 PM

    Are the Rajapaksa's above the law as no punishment has been imposed.

    sam Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:42 PM

    So what action? No action

    Cherath Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:44 PM

    Beside the well known seedy dealings of the Rajapaksa clan, it is astounding as to Cabraal was allowed a free hand involving the country in many bizarre transactions like monumental investments overseas like hedging, paying a scoundrel to promote the country in US. Cabraal advocated printing billions of notes for expenditure and said it wouldn't affect the economy!

    Mohammed intiquab Ghouse Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:45 PM

    SC has got some strength.

    So many questions? Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:46 PM

    These guys were treated and revered as Super Humans by our gullible citizens. They had a whole lot of followers for no valid reason, except for arousing racial, religious and caste hatred. 1.Will they be deprived of civil rights for a start? 2. Will their pensions and fringe benefits be cased? 3. Will their ill gotten wealth be cased?

    N V Jen Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:53 PM

    At-least now the people of this country should realise that crooks only portray as patriotic leaders of the nation and saviour's of the race and religion. Kudos to the 6.9 million for voting this clan again.

    Sloth bears Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:53 PM

    FundaMENTAL rights. Easter Bomb and now Economic Mess - looks like leading SRi Lanka is a high risk job! Hope the 225 will not ask for a pay rise or a risk allowance for doing their "thankless" job "carelessly" Why is the Bond scam case still lingering and these cases expedited? anyway good to see judgements been passed rather than postponing for years.

    Labby Tuesday, 14 November 2023 04:58 PM

    We always knew this, so what next? All the respondents are happily at large. Why doesn't the Supreme Court prevent them from holding public office? Merely determining that they are responsible doesn't mean anything as long as they are allowed to hold public office.

    Nihal S Tuesday, 14 November 2023 05:04 PM

    We all knew it, what is the next? These guys are protected by the system.

    Wiraj Tuesday, 14 November 2023 05:06 PM

    .Keep voting for them without worrying about your country or your children's future. Leeches become leaders when the people are suckers.

    Jisthy Mahnas Tuesday, 14 November 2023 05:06 PM

    Ok,whats next!!

    Economist Tuesday, 14 November 2023 05:09 PM

    Time for two states in one country.

    melville perera Tuesday, 14 November 2023 05:15 PM

    At last a bold judicial statement against the guilty In short the general public knew who they were but needed an official judicial frank to nail them. Yet what about the punishment for this mismanagement, international humiliation and the disgrace to go to the international monetary institutions with a begging bowl asking for financial help who in turn are punishing the helpless citizens with conditions leading to poverty instead of taking the guilty to task and asking for confiscation of all their illegal assets

    ChristoSmith Tuesday, 14 November 2023 05:23 PM

    RW will give them all a presidential pardon, nothing to sweat about.

    RuwanL Tuesday, 14 November 2023 05:28 PM

    How about the bond scam robbers Arjuna Ravi and Ranil? Are they also not responsible for the economic debacle?

    Ismet Zaheed Tuesday, 14 November 2023 05:46 PM

    Mr. Bean is always there "to serve and protect" the prodigal sons.

    Grace Tuesday, 14 November 2023 06:18 PM

    It is said that every citizen of this country has a debt of 1 million rupees. I have 4 members in my family. Those who ruined the economy should settle my family's debt.

    Citizen Tuesday, 14 November 2023 06:36 PM

    What is the point of this ruling if no out come? Either they should be prisoned or their illegally made money or properties should be inherited to the public funds. Without this paying 150k each what is the use, after the pain and losses the public gone through.

    Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 14 November 2023 06:36 PM

    This is very good, what about those who ruled before them? Ranil, Sirisena, Chandrika, so many others, didn't they bankrupt the country as well? What about JVP who did all disruptive activities? Their systematic destruction of our education system has deprived us from many opportunities. So , put these guys in jail along with Rajapakshas. But first recover the prison expenses from their fat wealth.

    An Unfortunate Sri Lankan citizen Tuesday, 14 November 2023 06:56 PM

    Rajapaksas created an economic crisis by robbing over 50 US billion dollars from Sri Lanka and depositing them in foreign banks.

    Tissa Fernando Wednesday, 15 November 2023 01:37 AM

    It would be a great service to the country if you could send a list of these banks , accounts and the details of account holders. Also mention the breakdown of the 50 Billion breakdown.

    Citizens Tuesday, 14 November 2023 06:59 PM

    Finally the truth that everyone already knew is accepted and confirmed. What's the next step?

    Dilo Tuesday, 14 November 2023 07:23 PM

    This fellows are above the law. You can't do anything with this verdict. SJB may use this for the coming election . This is the fate of poor SriLankans.

    TP Tuesday, 14 November 2023 07:36 PM

    Ahhh…. So easy to point fingers and say someone else is guilty. But who appointed these people. Who gave them the authority to appoint them. We the people. “I did not vote for them” is not an excuse. Why were we not able to convince enough people not to vote for them.

    Sri Lanka justice Tuesday, 14 November 2023 08:39 PM

    Just for the name sake they tried in SC, that's it, nothing going to happen, we know our law and order in this country, politicians always above the law. For the name sake they say no one is above the law. This is just to show that SC did their job and waste of time and public money.

    Jungle law Tuesday, 14 November 2023 08:42 PM

    Joly good, steal billions and pay rps 150000, case closed. Looks like all set up to close the file.

    roni Tuesday, 14 November 2023 08:43 PM

    These disgraceful dogs still sit in parliament. This family must go down in history of hoodwinking and robbing the mases and living luxurious life's This SLPP party should be banned from politics.

    Pantha Kumaran Tuesday, 14 November 2023 09:00 PM

    These lots will be back in power soon to destroy our country. What I propose is a public hanging of these heroes.

    Jith Tuesday, 14 November 2023 09:04 PM

    What about the 69 lakhs who voted for them. Are they not responsible ??????????????????????????

    Joshua Tuesday, 14 November 2023 09:30 PM

    How come that useless mahibdanandas name not there? He was one who danced with Gota as if he was a agriculture expert. He is a tie coat farmer

    Ranjith Tuesday, 14 November 2023 09:54 PM

    Entire cabinet also responsible for the damage done to the country and the people , every media supported to destroy beautiful Srilanka and the Buddhist monks who supported the Rajapakses not least but last those who still protecting the Rajapakses.

    Gayan Tuesday, 14 November 2023 10:03 PM

    Hold an election today, Rajapakshes can still win. People in general, irrespective of popular criticisms, think COVID caused the issues since tourism plummeted from 25% of GDP to 0%, and apparel industry closing down operations cutting off another hefty 20% of the GDP, plus other industries causing similar situations. Many people do not see lowering interest rates and banning fertilizer imports as contributing reasons. Usually, many people easily rule out the allegations of misappropriation of public funds levelling it evenly among all the politicos, not necessarily Rajapakshas alone.

    ACA Tuesday, 14 November 2023 11:10 PM

    What next, going to recover USD 7.5 billion reserve loss or changing that to 6.9 million voted for them ?

    Kathir Tuesday, 14 November 2023 11:33 PM

    As long as all three arm forces are backing these culprits the Supreme Court can not arrest them But confiscation of passport and their assets can help to recover the stolen finance

    Patcitz Tuesday, 14 November 2023 11:57 PM

    Then What will be the VERDICT for Ranil, who sold the Island Nation to IMF of the US, for having taken extreme command of the US to split United Sri Lanka into various parts?

    AJ Wednesday, 15 November 2023 12:12 AM

    I think it needs to elaborate or clarify well ‘what mean by economic crisis in the country’ what public understand is during the era, they proposed worthless projects,select rogue companies mostly crook companies from China, prepare estimates , several times higher than the actual cost, under mutual understanding with such companies, then rajapakshas bagged bloated amount plus commission but in some such dealings as helping H’tota,Nilwala river valley project they swindled total amount leading, till the country has to announce bankrupt and people turn to paupers and once proud nation became pariah in world stage

    Kathir Wednesday, 15 November 2023 12:24 AM

    This decision of Supreme Court is Kandiyan drama and nothing else

    Vadivelu Yogaratnam Wednesday, 15 November 2023 12:33 AM

    Ban them from standing future public office real justice is then done not otherwise, in USA and UK this would be the punishment, what happened to former prime minister Morris Johnson should happen to these culprits.

    Cheers Wednesday, 15 November 2023 12:52 AM

    Leave aside supreme court who has no idea of economic or political sense how to govern. But look at all comments from all the tamils, Muslims the minority who has responded against Rajapakse's clearly shows the minority tamils and Muslims terrorised sri lanka killing innocent civilians with their terrorist acts but Rajapakse's gave no room to that and destroyed a those elements out of the Country which minority is still in pain as Rajapakse's always stood in their way

    Nilmini Welivita Wednesday, 15 November 2023 12:59 AM

    This is leftist propaganda. The Hon. Rajapaksas saved the country from terrorists nobody talks about that now.

    Ranil- rajapaksa criminal syndicate. Wednesday, 15 November 2023 01:03 AM

    The only solution is to vote JVP into power if we want to recover the stolen loot from the rajapaksas and other pohotuwa criminals.

    Vivek Paranawithana Wednesday, 15 November 2023 01:11 AM

    Thanks and well done the Supreme Court to take your reputation back. Take their passports and do not let them go overseas and enjoy these stolen money! Hope something will happen other than acquitting after the election! Do not let them neither contest in any election or involve with any politics! Severe and harsh punishments must be implemented soon!

    kondaya77 Wednesday, 15 November 2023 01:53 AM

    nothing will happen to them,the foolish voters will reelect them again.Aiyo pow.

    Justice Wednesday, 15 November 2023 02:09 AM

    If Ranil Rajapakse

    Waco Wednesday, 15 November 2023 03:19 AM

    What about Ranil, who robbed the Central Bank?

    Roger Halliday Wednesday, 15 November 2023 05:10 AM

    The Supreme Court has found these guys responsible for the mess we are in . Who is going to initiate action against these guys? Can wecthecpeople collectively go to court to claim damages punish these jokers who have put this country in this mess

    dailynewsnoaction Wednesday, 15 November 2023 06:09 AM

    We make headlines for the enjoyment of the social media wars and keyboard warrior fights and after a week these stories collect dust in the archives. A country crippled by its own ppl for the past 75 years. Wait for the next week headline to comment and pass the week.

    kumar Wednesday, 15 November 2023 07:21 AM

    what do we do to those who supported them and continues to support them bringing them and SLPP back to power including the Mahanayakas ,the Cardinal ,

    mp Wednesday, 15 November 2023 07:27 AM

    Still the current ruler is protecting these rogues.

    Mokan Wednesday, 15 November 2023 07:27 AM

    People have died of starvation. So better hang these guys

    A hopeful citizen Wednesday, 15 November 2023 07:47 AM

    Now what SC should do is impound their passports, order police to arrest them, and proceed with SC action against them. If President Ranil Rajapaksa (ne Wickremasinghe) tries to intervene, arrest him and take action against him as well.

    Terrence K Wednesday, 15 November 2023 07:48 AM

    This is not what the public wanted for the collapse of the economy since many suffered to sustain their livelihoods and has impacted on the future generations with many leaving our shores by which many countries benefitted by this brain drain. Nothing is spoken of the robbing of the public purse and the reimbursing of the legal costs is a paltry amount. These culprits should have been jailed which would ensure that they too experience the manifold sufferings to the public.

    Chandani glucose Wednesday, 15 November 2023 07:56 AM

    So simple offence. Not yet arrested?

    Gaston Wednesday, 15 November 2023 09:22 AM

    How about Nirupama Rajapaksha's and Nadesan's massive robberies?

    Phil Wednesday, 15 November 2023 09:35 AM

    Proper investigation will provide proof that out of 225 the majority contributed to the mess.

    Great finding Wednesday, 15 November 2023 09:43 AM

    Wow what a finding? I never knew they were responsible? Lol

    Bananjali Giriulla Wednesday, 15 November 2023 03:46 PM

    All will go overseas soon and enjoy the stolen money devoted overseas! Moda, thana kola kana minissu in Sl keep voting for them!

    Percy Wijenayake Wednesday, 15 November 2023 04:47 PM

    The SC verdict must be in the minds of all voters at the next Parliamentary Elections.

    ANNECUNT Wednesday, 15 November 2023 07:05 PM

    my family went on hunger along with 22 million people and my my children was fainting at school , so is this all the punishment you can give ? some body should write a book about this and it will be a best seller

    Vijitha Bulathsinghala Friday, 17 November 2023 09:52 AM

    Now we have file fundamental right cases against Ranil/Maithri, Chandrika and JR as well for destroying the economy and we will end up with the same results.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment




Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka