-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -01.Dec.2024, 7.15 AM) When the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of Sri Lanka was formed, it was hailed as a beacon of hope for a country riddled with corruption. Tasked with untangling webs of high-level financial misconduct, the FCID was expected to root out malfeasance and restore trust in the nation’s governance. However, under the tenure of its former chief, Ravi Vaidyalankara, the division appears to have veered off course—its reputation sullied by allegations of sabotage, bribery, and self-enrichment.
Central to this scandal is the botched investigation into the controversial purchase of MiG-27 aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force in 2006, a deal mired in allegations of corruption involving former Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his cousin, ex-diplomat Udayanga Weeratunga. What should have been a landmark case in Sri Lanka’s fight against corruption was, instead, systematically undermined—by none other than the man leading the investigation.
The MiG-27 procurement deal, valued at tens of millions of dollars, was flagged as deeply suspect by investigative journalists and anti-corruption watchdogs. Evidence suggested that intermediaries had inflated the prices of the aircraft and funneled kickbacks to individuals close to the Rajapaksa family.
By 2015, the FCID had taken up the case. Witnesses, financial trails, and damning documents were gathered, appearing to edge closer to implicating key figures, including Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Udayanga Weeratunga. Yet, despite the promising leads, the investigation inexplicably stalled.
Now, troubling revelations indicate that the FCID’s own chief, Ravi Vaidyalankara, played a key role in sabotaging the investigation.
It is alleged that Vaidyalankara systematically shared sensitive case files with the very individuals under investigation. Sources within the FCID reveal that detailed updates about witness testimonies, investigative strategies, and evidence collected were funneled directly to Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his associates.
This insider betrayal allowed the accused parties to preemptively intimidate witnesses, destroy incriminating documents, and manipulate the narrative surrounding the case.
A former FCID officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Every time we made progress in the MiG investigation, it felt like the accused were one step ahead of us. Now we know why.”
The scandal deepens with reports of Vaidyalankara’s alleged trip to Singapore, where he is accused of meeting individuals connected to the MiG-27 procurement deal. During this visit, Vaidyalankara reportedly sold classified investigation files, further compromising the case.
Why would a high-ranking official go to such lengths? The answer, according to sources, lies in financial gain.
The allegations against Vaidyalankara do not stop at the MiG investigation. His tenure as FCID director is marred by accusations of extortion and profiteering:
1. The Rienzei Edwards Saga
Vaidyalankara allegedly launched a money laundering investigation against Edwards, a businessman facing charges in the United States. Instead of pursuing justice, the FCID chief reportedly coerced Edwards into paying over 200 million rupees to have the investigation dropped.
Adding to the intrigue, Edwards’ wife,Purni Edwards, subsequently became a business partner of Vaidyalankara’s son,Asela. Together, they reportedly acquired properties and built a lucrative real estate portfolio.
2. Targeting Tamil Businessmen
Another damning claim involves Vaidyalankara allegedly targeting wealthy Tamil businessmen in Colombo. Under the pretext of financial crime investigations, he is accused of threatening them with prolonged detention unless they paid hefty sums. Reports suggest he extorted over 400 million rupees in this manner, further enriching himself at the expense of the vulnerable.
3. Political Ties and Interference
The Edwards connection reportedly extends to prominent political figures, including former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and politician Naveen Dissanayake. These ties may have shielded Vaidyalankara from scrutiny and enabled him to operate with impunity.
The sabotage of the MiG-27 investigation has had far-reaching consequences. Witnesses who initially came forward with vital evidence faced threats, while others withdrew their cooperation altogether. Critical documents disappeared, and the accused managed to evade accountability.
For Gotabaya Rajapaksa, this insider assistance proved invaluable. By the time the investigation had collapsed, the political tides in Sri Lanka had shifted, paving the way for his return to power.
As the dust settles, many are now demanding answers.
• Who enabled Vaidyalankara to act with such impunity?
• Why were red flags about his conduct ignored?
• Will he ever face justice for his alleged crimes?
A senior anti-corruption activist remarked: “The MiG-27 case was a test of our resolve to tackle systemic corruption. Instead, it exposed the rot within our institutions. Ravi Vaidyalankara’s actions not only betrayed public trust but also emboldened those who believe they are above the law.”
To rebuild public confidence, Sri Lanka must address the failings of the FCID during Vaidyalankara’s tenure. This includes reopening the MiG-27 investigation, holding those responsible for sabotage accountable, and ensuring that the FCID operates as an independent, transparent body free from political interference.
As for Vaidyalankara, his alleged misdeeds demand thorough investigation. If found guilty, his actions would not only mark a personal fall from grace but also serve as a cautionary tale for those entrusted with the mantle of justice.
Sri Lankans deserve better from their institutions and leaders. The Vaidyalankara scandal is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the urgent need for reform.
The MiG-27 aircraft may have flown decades ago, but the shadow of corruption they left behind still looms large over Sri Lanka. Only by confronting this betrayal head-on can the country hope to chart a brighter, more accountable future.
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by (2024-12-01 01:45:19)
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