-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -28.Jan.2025, 10.15 PM) The Attorney General today(28) filed a case against Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa at the Colombo High Court, alleging that Rs. 70 million was used criminally in the Krish transaction.
Namal Rajapaksa had obtained the above amount and defrauded by claiming it was for the promotion of rugby. Earlier, during the era of good governance, the FCID had investigated this matter and filed the facts with the Colombo Magistrate's Court, naming Namal Rajapaksa as a suspect in the incident and later he was released on bail.
The indictments were filed today accordingly.
An article revealing more details regarding the Krish fraud is given below.
The Sri Lankan political and business landscape is no stranger to controversy, but the latest saga involving 70 million rupees has stirred significant public interest and raised troubling questions about integrity, corruption, and the misuse of institutions. At the center of this unfolding drama are Nimal Perera, a well-known businessman with a colorful past, and the Sri Lanka Rugby Association (SLRA), which has found itself unwittingly entangled in accusations of financial impropriety.
It all began when allegations surfaced that Nimal Perera had received 70 million rupees from a party connected to the Krish Development project—a controversial urban real estate deal that involved a prime four-acre plot of land opposite the Hilton Hotel in Colombo. This land, historically known as the Transworkhouse property, was at the heart of ambitious plans for development spearheaded by Krish, an Indian company with a history of investments in Sri Lanka.
However, the money in question was allegedly earmarked as a contribution to the Sri Lanka Rugby Association, or so it was claimed. Yet, in a startling twist, the SLRA firmly denied any such funding or promises being made, raising doubts about whether the association had been used as a smokescreen for dubious financial dealings.
The SLRA’s official stance was clear: no funds had been allocated, promised, or received from any party linked to the Krish project. The association, while supportive of Nimal Perera’s personal enthusiasm for rugby, distanced itself from any financial dealings he might have conducted using its name. “Namal can play rugby, but he cannot use Sri Lanka Rugby Association’s reputation to secure funds,” an SLRA official remarked sharply.
This denial has fueled speculation that the 70 million rupees were not meant for rugby development but rather for personal or political purposes. Was the SLRA merely a convenient facade for a transaction with ulterior motives?
Adding another layer of intrigue, the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) became involved, ostensibly to investigate the Krish development project and its financial dealings. Yet, the FCID’s role raised eyebrows when its director at the time, Ravi Vaidyalankar, issued a letter to Nimal Rajapaksha, seemingly clearing the Krish project of any wrongdoing.
This move was criticized as premature, given that the investigation had not yet reached a conclusion. Critics argue that Vaidyalankar’s actions were suspiciously hurried, raising questions about whether undue influence was exerted to whitewash the investigation. To complicate matters further, Vaidyalankar later joined the Krish project as a director, intensifying suspicions of conflict of interest and collusion.
This isn’t the first time Nimal Perera’s name has been linked to controversy. His involvement in an international television documentary highlighting allegations of bribery tied to the Hambantota Hospital project is well-documented. Furthermore, his partnership with Dhammika Perera, Sri Lanka’s richest businessman, has also drawn scrutiny.
The duo’s close association with politicians has led to allegations that they leveraged these relationships for financial gain. Critics argue that Nimal and Dhammika’s business ventures often blurred the lines between private enterprise and political patronage, creating fertile ground for corruption.
The 70 million rupee question remains unanswered: who provided this money to Nimal Perera, and for what purpose? Was it genuinely intended for the development of rugby in Sri Lanka, or was it a bribe or kickback disguised as philanthropy?
The SLRA’s denial of any involvement further complicates the matter, suggesting that Nimal Perera may have misrepresented the association’s role to justify receiving the funds. Alternatively, it raises the possibility that other parties, including political figures, used the rugby association as a scapegoat to divert attention from the true beneficiaries of the money.
Given the gravity of the allegations, there are growing calls for a comprehensive investigation into several key aspects of this case:
1. The Source of the Funds: Authorities must identify the party or parties responsible for transferring 70 million rupees to Nimal Perera. Was it a legitimate business transaction, or was it a bribe aimed at influencing decisions related to the Krish development project?
2. The Role of the Sri Lanka Rugby Association: Investigators must establish whether the SLRA was a willing participant in this saga or if its name was misused by Nimal Perera or others.
3. FCID’s Handling of the Krish Investigation: The issuance of the exonerating letter by Ravi Vaidyalankar, followed by his appointment as a director of the Krish project, warrants closer scrutiny. Was there undue pressure or manipulation to conclude the investigation prematurely?
4. Nimal Perera’s Business Dealings: The businessman’s partnerships and political connections must be examined to determine whether his financial activities were above board or if they involved corruption and favoritism.
5. Dhammika Perera’s Role: While Dhammika Perera has not been directly implicated in this particular case, his long-standing partnership with Nimal raises questions about the nature of their joint ventures and whether these too deserve investigation.
This case is symptomatic of a larger problem in Sri Lanka: the pervasive culture of corruption that has seeped into every level of society, from politics to business and even sports. The lack of accountability and transparency in high-profile financial dealings erodes public trust and hinders the country’s development.
Institutions like the FCID, which are tasked with rooting out corruption, must operate independently and without fear of political interference. The public must also demand greater accountability from both private individuals and public officials to ensure that the country’s resources are used for the benefit of all Sri Lankans, not just a select few.
The 70 million rupee mystery is more than just a scandal involving rugby and real estate—it is a test of Sri Lanka’s commitment to justice and good governance. As the public awaits answers, one thing is clear: this case must be thoroughly investigated, and those found guilty of corruption must face the consequences.
For now, the ball is in the court of law enforcement and investigative agencies. Whether they will rise to the occasion or succumb to the pressures of political and business interests remains to be seen. In the meantime, the people of Sri Lanka can only hope that this saga will not end as just another forgotten footnote in the country’s troubled history of corruption
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by (2025-01-28 17:00:04)
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