-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -22.June.2024, 9.30 PM) The integrity of Sri Lankan Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam has recently come under intense scrutiny, with mounting questions regarding his professional qualifications and conduct. Rajaratnam, who claims to be a UK-qualified solicitor, faces allegations that cast doubt on his credentials and his handling of high-profile corruption cases.
Rajaratnam has publicly stated that he is a UK-qualified solicitor, citing his UK law degree as the basis for this claim. However, investigations have revealed that he is not registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the official regulatory body for solicitors in the United Kingdom. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the authenticity of his qualifications.
To become a UK-qualified solicitor, an individual must complete a two-year compulsory work experience period known as a training contract. There is no record of Rajaratnam completing such a contract, and he has not provided any evidence of having done so. The public is now calling for Rajaratnam to present a copy of his trainee contract and tax records that would verify his employment and tax payments in the UK during his trainee period.
Concerns extend beyond Rajaratnam's qualifications to his professional conduct. He has been involved in the controversial withdrawal of several high-profile corruption cases, decisions which have resulted in significant financial losses for Sri Lankan taxpayers. One such case is the BMW duty fraud, where $1.5 billion in importation taxes were reportedly not collected due to mishandling by the Attorney General's department.
Further complicating matters, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL) has distanced itself from allegations that the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks were used as leverage to secure an extension for Rajaratnam's term as Attorney General. The CBCSL addressed these rumors in a statement, clarifying that they were not involved in any such attempt and distancing themselves from the purported statement by the President in early June 2024.
The Sri Lankan public is also questioning the legitimacy of Rajaratnam's assets accumulation. There is a growing demand for a full disclosure of his assets and financial interests, emphasizing the need for transparency from public officials. The public's interest in Rajaratnam’s assets declaration underscores the broader issue of accountability within the government.
The questions surrounding Sanjay Rajaratnam’s qualifications and conduct highlight significant concerns about transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka's legal and political systems. As the controversy unfolds, the public and authorities alike are seeking clarity and answers regarding Rajaratnam’s professional history and decisions. This case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of integrity and transparency in public office.
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by (2024-06-22 16:16:58)
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