-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -20.Jan.2025, 11.15 PM) Sri Lanka’s political landscape is rarely dull, and the latest rumors circling Colombo’s elite circles prove this once again. At the center of the chatter is Clean Sri Lanka, a group supposedly devoted to ethical governance and rooting out corruption, and its enigmatic member Mr. Cooray. Once a staunch ally of Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa, Cooray has now found himself cozying up to the National People’s Power (NPP) leadership. But the plot thickens: whispers suggest that Cooray may be attempting to whitewash the controversial image of former Senior DIG and Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) head Ravi Waidyalankara and pave his path into NPP's good graces.
Is this an altruistic mission to bridge political divides, or a crafty maneuver to shield a scandal-plagued figure from accountability? Let’s dig into the drama.
Ravi Waidyalankara once held one of the most powerful roles in Sri Lanka’s law enforcement hierarchy as the head of the FCID. Tasked with investigating high-profile financial crimes, Waidyalankara presided over some of the country’s most sensitive cases, including the leasing of 43 acres at Transworks Square in Colombo Fort.
But as the adage goes, “Who watches the watchmen?” Allegations have since emerged that Waidyalankara exploited his position for personal gain. According to a complaint filed by Voice Against Corruption Convener Wasantha Samarasinghe with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), Waidyalankara allegedly issued letters absolving companies under investigation—most notably, Krrish Transworks Group Ltd.—of wrongdoing.
The evidence is damning. Letters exchanged between Waidyalankara and Krrish suggest a highly irregular relationship, with Waidyalankara reportedly giving assurances that investigations would not harm the company’s dealings with bankers and contractors. This was despite FCID investigators’ recommendations to examine the company’s computers for evidence of potential wrongdoing.
Further fueling suspicions, it’s been revealed that Waidyalankara or his immediate family members later assumed directorial positions in companies previously under FCID scrutiny. If true, this raises serious questions about conflicts of interest, abuse of power, and the integrity of the very institution tasked with fighting financial crimes.
Amid these allegations, Mr. Cooray, a prominent member of Clean Sri Lanka and ex chairman of Lake House and Hilton Colombo, has become a focal point. Known for his knack for navigating political circles, Cooray is no stranger to reinvention. Having shifted allegiances from Ranil Wickremesinghe to Sajith Premadasa and now to the NPP, he has proven himself a master at staying relevant in Sri Lanka’s shifting political tides.
The current controversy centers on claims that Cooray is working to rehabilitate Waidyalankara’s tarnished image and facilitate his entry into the NPP fold. By aligning Waidyalankara with the progressive, anti-corruption rhetoric of the NPP, Cooray may be attempting to shield him from further investigations or legal repercussions.
But why? Is it personal loyalty, a mutually beneficial arrangement, or something more sinister?
Critics have pointed to Cooray’s own questionable track record. Rumors abound about unpaid Hilton hotel bills for personal meals, a stark contrast to the lofty principles of Clean Sri Lanka. Such allegations undermine his credibility and raise doubts about the true intentions behind his latest political maneuvering.
At the heart of the allegations against Waidyalankara lies the controversial Krrish Transworks project, which involved the leasing of prime Colombo real estate for a massive development project. Investigations revealed irregularities in the leasing process, but the case took a bizarre turn when Waidyalankara issued letters effectively exonerating the company.
These letters not only contradicted FCID investigators’ findings but also potentially influenced judicial proceedings. According to Samarasinghe’s complaint, Waidyalankara’s actions prejudiced the ongoing court case related to the leasing of Transworks Square.
The alleged motive? Bribes or favors extended by Krrish to secure a favorable outcome. These allegations are bolstered by Waidyalankara’s apparent post-retirement career choices, which include affiliations with companies previously under his investigative purview.
The National People’s Power (NPP), under the leadership of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has built its brand on fighting corruption and promoting transparency. Aligning with figures like Waidyalankara could severely undermine its credibility and alienate its supporters.
If the rumors about Cooray’s attempts to bring Waidyalankara into the NPP fold are true, the party risks being perceived as hypocritical or complicit in protecting corrupt individuals. For a party that has consistently criticized the revolving door of politics and business in Sri Lanka, this would be a significant misstep.
The NPP must tread carefully. While political alliances often require pragmatism, associating with figures like Waidyalankara could tarnish its reputation and derail its anti-corruption agenda.
The Waidyalankara saga is emblematic of a larger issue plaguing Sri Lanka: the systemic corruption that has permeated politics, business, and law enforcement. Institutions like the FCID were established to combat financial crimes, but when those in power abuse their positions, public trust erodes.
The involvement of figures like Cooray in Clean Sri Lanka raises questions about the group’s authenticity. Is it truly a movement for ethical governance, or a convenient shield for wheeling and dealing?
For Sri Lanka to move forward, it must address these systemic issues head-on. This requires not only holding individuals like Waidyalankara accountable but also fostering a culture of transparency and integrity.
The rumors surrounding Cooray, Waidyalankara, and their alleged ties to the NPP highlight the challenges Sri Lanka faces in its fight against corruption. While the truth behind these allegations remains to be seen, one thing is clear: the public is watching.
As Sri Lanka grapples with economic crises, political instability, and social unrest, its leaders must prioritize accountability and ethical governance. Whether Clean Sri Lanka will live up to its name or become yet another chapter in the nation’s long history of political intrigue remains to be seen.
For now, Cooray, Waidyalankara, and their allies would do well to remember that in Sri Lanka, rumors spread quickly, and the court of public opinion is often harsher than any judicial verdict. As the saying goes, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.
Let’s hope the NPP keeps this in mind as it charts its course—and decides who it welcomes into its fold.
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by (2025-01-20 21:04:25)
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