-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -19.Jan.2025, 11.45 PM) Money, politics, and a cursed building in the heart of Colombo. It sounds like a blockbuster movie script, but no—it’s just another day in Sri Lankan headlines. The ongoing investigation into the Krrish Group’s stalled mega-development project has taken a curious turn, with whispers of Namal Rajapaksa’s involvement adding an extra layer of intrigue. But is there substance to these allegations, or is this just another chapter in Sri Lanka’s never-ending political circus? Let’s dive in.
For those unfamiliar with the drama, let’s rewind. The Krrish Group, an Indian real estate developer, promised Colombo a glittering skyline with their ambitious project, “Krrish Square” (later rebranded as “One Transworks Square”). But instead of skyscrapers, what we got was an abandoned superstructure that now serves as a pigeon penthouse.
India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Krrish Group laundered money—503 crore rupees to be exact—using this project as a front. Funds collected from investors in India were allegedly siphoned off to Sri Lanka. How? By channeling them into the Krrish project and, potentially, into the pockets of some powerful Sri Lankan figures.
If there’s a scandal involving money and questionable real estate deals, it’s almost a rite of passage to drag in a Rajapaksa. Namal, the eldest son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is no stranger to allegations of corruption. His name has been linked to bribes, shady deals, and, in this case, the Krrish project.
Reports suggest that Namal may have either demanded bribes from the Krrish Group or facilitated their dealings in Sri Lanka. The Indian ED, along with Sri Lankan authorities, is now investigating whether any proceeds of crime were funneled into the project—and whether Namal played a role in making it all happen.
The Krrish project is not just a financial scandal—it’s practically cursed. Here are some of the bizarre twists that make this saga worthy of a Netflix series:
1. The Shaman Ritual:
In a desperate attempt to sell apartments, Krrish executives reportedly paid 600 million rupees to a shaman for a ritual. Yes, you read that right—a shaman. Instead of boosting sales, it seems the ritual only cursed the project further.
2. The Sex, Lies, and Video Tapes:
The head of Krrish’s Sri Lankan arm, Janaki Siriwardhana, was arrested for her alleged role in a multi-billion-rupee fraud. Her associate, Thilini Priyamali, reportedly ran a scam involving fake gold bars, blackmail, and money doubling schemes. Add a Buddhist monk and some gullible businessmen into the mix, and you’ve got Colombo’s version of “Breaking Bad.”
3. The Fake Doctorates Club:
Businessmen like Clarence Kumarage were lured into the scam, believing they could double their money. Instead, they ended up with fake gold and, presumably, a lot of regret.
The allegations against Namal Rajapaksa raise several questions:
How Much Did He Know?
If Namal was involved, was he merely facilitating the project, or did he actively participate in laundering money?
What About the Land Deal?
The Krrish Group acquired prime land in Colombo for this project. Was due diligence conducted, or was this yet another sweetheart deal for foreign investors with deep pockets?
The International Dimension:
With funding reportedly linked to the US, Namal could find himself under scrutiny from American authorities. If proven, these allegations could jeopardize his travel privileges to both the US and India.
For Colombo residents, the Krrish project is more than just a scandal—it’s an eyesore. The once-promising development now stands as a ghostly reminder of broken promises and corrupt practices. But why has it remained unfinished for so long?
1. Lack of Transparency:
No one seems to know where the money went—or how much of it actually went into construction.
2. Investor Confidence:
With scandals piling up, who in their right mind would invest in this project now?
3. Government Apathy:
Successive governments have turned a blind eye to the project, either out of complicity or sheer incompetence.
As the Indian ED continues its probe, Sri Lankan authorities are also under pressure to take action. But will this investigation actually lead anywhere?
Judiciary vs. Politics:
While President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has promised transparency, the judiciary’s snail-paced process could delay justice.
Will Namal Face Consequences?
Given the Rajapaksas’ history of evading accountability, skeptics doubt whether Namal will face any real consequences.
The Krrish scandal isn’t just about money laundering—it’s a microcosm of everything that’s wrong with Sri Lanka’s political and economic systems. From corrupt politicians to shady foreign investors, the saga exposes a network of greed and incompetence that’s holding the country back.
Of course, no Sri Lankan scandal would be complete without its share of absurdities:
A shaman charging 600 million rupees for a ritual. (Spoiler: It didn’t work.)
Businessmen falling for a “money doubling” scam in 2025.
A building so abandoned that even pigeons are considering moving out.
It’s almost as if Sri Lanka is trying to outdo itself in the corruption Olympics.
As the investigations continue, one can only hope that the truth will come to light. But in a country where scandals are more common than functioning traffic lights, optimism is in short supply.
Whether or not Namal Rajapaksa is found guilty, the Krrish saga serves as a cautionary tale for Sri Lanka. Until the government prioritizes transparency and accountability, stories like this will keep dominating the headlines—and Colombo’s skyline will remain cluttered with unfinished dreams.
In the meantime, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the sheer absurdity of it all. After all, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.
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by (2025-01-19 20:13:57)
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