Thilini Priyamali Saga - A story of cheat, sex & greed; probe continues

19 October 2022 05:52 am - 28 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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*The case under investigation has so far seen a scam of Rs.3Bn being unravelled

*So far 11 complaints had been received against Thilini

*Investigators are also probing if there were Parliamentarians on her list

Colombo has seen many controversies. Especially among the rich and elite who at times enjoy their evening's dining and enjoying their luxurious lives, and discussions of who is new in their social circles and who threw the most lavish parties. The higher the circle, the grander the parties and the bigger the discussions on money.

One such story which has taken the country by storm is the Thilini Priyamali saga. Her alleged story of cheat, sex and greed and how she allegedly accumulated mass wealth by promising wonders in return - wonders under the pretext of higher returns if you invest in her 'lavish' business. The Thilini Priyamali case which is now under investigation by the CID has so far seen a scam of Rs.3 billion being unravelled, making it one of the highest financial frauds committed by an individual in the country.

Investigators told Daily Mirror that so far 11 complaints had been received against Thilini, who is the owner of Thico Group Pvt. Limited and more victims may be expected to come forward in the coming days. Among those who have lost massive sums are even MPs, politicians, and artistes who all wanted a share of her business of receiving higher returns. A Colombo 7 businessman who lodged a complaint last week alleged that he lost Rs.750 million, while former Colombo Mayor Azath Sally said Thilini had defrauded him of Rs.80.5 million.

So how did Thilini allegedly carry out her plan? Investigations so far have revealed that Thilini had made high contacts within the elite circle and had become quite popular for throwing lavish parties. She was seen moving with high-profile political figures whom she befriended by promising to provide money in charity or seeking their consent to start new projects. Political figures and artistes were frequent guests at her events, and it was at these events that she often spoke of her business.

Investigators said that it had come to light that some of the businessmen who invested with her business, received higher returns within weeks as promised in the form of a cheque. However, as she went deeper into the business, her cheques started bouncing back, sending a signal among her investors that all was not right.

Investigators are probing to see if a former MP and a yesteryear actor and his wife, a prominent actress, a model and a doctor are among those who invested in Thilini's business and if proven, how much monies had been given and whether it was these monies that had been rolled over.

Investigators are also probing to see if there were Parliamentarians also on her list and if so, how much had been invested by them for higher returns.

On Tuesday, the CID arrested Isuru Bandara - another business partner of Thilini Priyamali in connection with alleged financial fraud. It was reported that the suspect maintained close relations with Thilini and the suspect was reported to have worked as a secretary to a minister earlier.

Investigators are also probing alleged complaints on whether some of the businessmen were blackmailed by the suspect in return for money over sexual conversations they had, had by people set up by Thilini. An investigating officer said that they were probing to see if audio calls were made to some of the businessmen by people set up by the suspect, where talks had revolved around sex. It is alleged that these conversations may have been recorded and later used to blackmail the businessmen. But investigations over these allegations are still ongoing.

More arrests are expected to be made in the coming days and weeks over this high-profile case, and investigators are also probing to see if there was any involvement of religious leaders following some evidence that has come to light but could not be divulged due to ongoing investigations. (JAMILA HUSAIN)

Comments - 28

Chrish Wednesday, 19 October 2022 06:45 AM

20% of our citizens have 51% of the nation's wealth. A part of it is black money. If this 20% can volantarily support 3 families who are really poor. eg get a dry ration parcel delivered monthly via a supermarket then 60% of the problem can be temporarily solved. Thilini will have less deposits then.

Curious Wednesday, 19 October 2022 07:56 AM

Looks like a high end casino. It will be interesting if the profile of the investors and their source of income too is revealed. Or they can share how they made their wealth. We have a large section of people who cannot afford at least two meals a day.

Leo Wednesday, 19 October 2022 07:56 AM

As soon as the investigations find the involved MP's this whole saga will have a natural death.

ANTON Wednesday, 19 October 2022 08:05 AM

WHATEVER THE SITUCATION , SHE MUST BE THE IDEAL PERSON TO BE GIVEN THE PRESIDENCY OF THIS COUNTRY. SHE HAS THE ABILITY TO SETTLE OUR LOANS WITHIN OURS.

MirakRajBanda Wednesday, 19 October 2022 08:22 AM

I have every reason to believe that she's a Rajapakse crony and doing all the necessary groundworks to Rajapakse family reentry to politics. What a shame!!!!!

Robby Wednesday, 19 October 2022 08:28 AM

Why is she allowed to walk in public places in her preferred T shirts and treated like she is a celebrity? She smiles and waves at people. Put her on with a prison garb and handcuffs.The police looks very kind to her. How about the treatment and the verdict given to an old mother on Horana, who picked a couple of coconutsfrom another s land, to feed her children for hunger?

Jude Wednesday, 19 October 2022 08:31 AM

The Thilini saga NOT GONNA go well in front of a judge!! She needs good representation I mean a good lawyer or couple of good ones!! All accusations not gonna convict Thilini as a fraudster!! It's Notta crime to have a office in the world trade center!! Promising higher returns on investment also Notta crime!! As Long as she have registered business she's okay!! Bouncing cheques doesn't bode well but the defense team of lawyers can come out swinging in defense of her!! It's matter of time before this Thilini saga come to an conclusion!! Huh!!

Reza Wednesday, 19 October 2022 08:56 AM

Also need to probe on how all these persons accumulated so much of wealth. It is only fair to the public as majority are now living for the day.

Dilshan Perera Wednesday, 19 October 2022 09:13 AM

Everybody should be clearly exposed, especially the MPs and religious perverts..

Concerned Wednesday, 19 October 2022 09:17 AM

Sri Lanka’s “Anna Delvey”. Watch the movie “Anna Delvey” based on true events. Maybe she picked up tips from this movie.

Prasanna Wednesday, 19 October 2022 10:08 AM

Hope the investigations are truly genuine and every detail will be revealed including that of Parliamentarians involved. The suspicion is that those in power might use influence to scuttle or derail the investigations to hide or save some culprits.

Sokrates Wednesday, 19 October 2022 10:17 AM

Neither Thilini has enough intelligence to run a scam properly, nor do the investors have any brains. It seems that the richer people are, the less intellect they have. They probably blew their brains out with cocaine. Added to this is a special Sri Lankan trait: immeasurable greed. Furthermore, in this country, a disproportionate number of men have their brains in their cocks. Since it is also the norm in Sri Lanka to evade taxes and do crooked business, it can be assumed that all money invested is black money. It is therefore important that the origin of the invested money is properly investigated. Any idiotic investor who cannot explain the source of the money must also be arrested. Then Welikada Prison becomes a party hot spot in Colombo.

Jarawasa Palabedda Wednesday, 19 October 2022 11:13 AM

We are wasting our time! All cases go under the carpet under this Ponna government - Recall YAHAPALA Naya? At the end, she will be appoint to a cabinet minister - BETTER than KAPPAMA or Paga Pala!!

L Jaya Wednesday, 19 October 2022 12:12 PM

It appears to me that the people who have invested in this company failed to perform their due diligence before investing. This could be the inclination to lust, driven by money for temporary satisfaction. I listen to a telephone conversation over You Tube that an agent promoting a client to invest in Rs to purchase shares in the foreign share market and deliberately avoid the question of how Rs are converted to $$.

Ram Wednesday, 19 October 2022 12:16 PM

Disclose the names of the high ranking Police Officers who dined and wined with her at big Hotels. We have seen her seated having a conversation with MR, a photos with Shiranthi, Namal etc. CID must question them too.

Tissa Fernando Wednesday, 19 October 2022 01:17 PM

Thilini madam is a real madam like those whom we see in American movies. Politicians have a lot of money earned from commissions and this money is invested in businesses like this.

Virgin hunter fake copy cut lawyer. Wednesday, 19 October 2022 01:26 PM

Rajapaksa family is totAlly behind on this .specially ...namal rajapaksa he never lebe small beautiful girls or boys. Time to time he Travels russia to meet the beautiful girls to do this

Travis fox Wednesday, 19 October 2022 03:00 PM

This woman who is a student up to grade 8 cant have a brain to rob like this. GO TO THE ROOTS . SURE THIS WOMEN was only used to store politicians black money.

Karalasingam Sivalingam Wednesday, 19 October 2022 03:13 PM

Thilini excelled and tricked our business men, all the businessmen are crooks and cheats, expose them as well.

Vadivelu Yogaratnam Wednesday, 19 October 2022 04:46 PM

This evil is a close associate of Rajapaksa's family,all evils are closely associated with Rajapaksa's family .

Mahesh Wednesday, 19 October 2022 05:38 PM

Why waste public money to invesitigate this matter. If anyone has invested in any business expecting high returns, then should expect this kind of issues too. CID should use the public money and time to investigate who has bankrupt the nation with fake projects, murders and rape cases.

navaratne willamune Wednesday, 19 October 2022 05:50 PM

people still get caught to this scams, poncy pyramid scam,take money unsuspecting investors ,put it into high interest bank accounts,or loan at high interest rates.or risky businesses with short term returns. happens all over the world,when greed takes over you loose your senses

VJ Wednesday, 19 October 2022 06:50 PM

This story will continue to entertain our people until such time another spectacular story will emerge. The Inland Revenue people should jump in and dig out information pertaining to the source of revenue of those who claim to have been robbed.

Shan Wednesday, 19 October 2022 09:59 PM

Of the so called 3b, wonder how much tax has been paid to govt. Has the inland rev authorities having a track and have taxed them?

Ravindu Wednesday, 19 October 2022 10:08 PM

She works front on the Rajepakse regime and this is how everything hidden and accumulate wealth. We need a through investigation and who were in her inner circle- all investigations should be published publicly. Rajepases will always deny in advance for everything, of course we all know their tricks

Shelly Belly Wednesday, 19 October 2022 11:55 PM

This article is full of speculation pending investigation. Why not just wait until the investigation is over to write the facts for accurate reporting? It is a waste of time to read about what the investigators are planning to look at.

Dot Thursday, 20 October 2022 03:39 AM

I remember reading a long list of many who invested in that Ceylinco scam ..much noise and the person fled to Singapore ..end of story then a few others Sakvithi and Edirasingha was it ? A wishful thinker or a money launderer with excess money unlike many who read the story . . ..But this being a woman becomes a different kind of cheat .colorful and spicy is it not?

Bandu Thursday, 20 October 2022 04:01 AM

How about this newspaper add some value to the country. Investigate the corruption of Rajapaksha and his cronies. We will support you

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Thilini Priyamali Saga - A story of cheat, sex & greed; probe continues

Comments - 28

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