-By A Investigative Journalist
(Lanka-e-News -30.Jan.2025, 11.30 PM) The corridors of power often echo with the whispers of deception, but rarely does the truth emerge so candidly as it does in Sidney Jayasinghe’s explosive new book, How to Defraud an Australian Investor. In this gripping exposé, Jayasinghe details his encounters with Sri Lankan politician Udaya Gammanpila, uncovering a complex web of financial misconduct, nationalist rhetoric, and alleged deceitful dealings that have left a trail of unanswered questions.
As a former associate, Jayasinghe provides firsthand insights into Gammanpila’s rise to political prominence, his manipulation of nationalist sentiments, and, more controversially, his alleged involvement in defrauding Australian investor Brian Shaddik. The book will sent shockwaves through political and legal circles, raising critical concerns about financial integrity and political accountability in Sri Lanka.
Udaya Gammanpila is no stranger to controversy. As the leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) party, he has positioned himself as a staunch advocate of Sinhala nationalism. According to Jayasinghe, Gammanpila’s ability to rally support using nationalist fervor provided a smokescreen that allowed him to operate with impunity in both business and politics. He skillfully navigated the political landscape, aligning himself with prominent figures like former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, while simultaneously cultivating an image of a self-proclaimed guardian of Sinhala identity.
Jayasinghe argues that Gammanpila strategically leveraged his nationalist ideology to divert attention from his financial dealings. His rhetoric of safeguarding Sri Lanka’s sovereignty allegedly concealed a darker reality—one of fraudulent financial transactions and calculated manipulation of investors, particularly foreign ones.
The Colombo High Court recently heard testimony that could shake the very foundations of Gammanpila’s career. On July 24, a witness, Indivara Perera, provided a detailed account of how Gammanpila allegedly used a fraudulent Power of Attorney to sell shares belonging to Australian national Brian Shaddik. The transaction, worth Rs. 20 million, reportedly saw the proceeds funneled to third parties, raising serious legal and ethical concerns.
Perera testified that Gammanpila had directed the funds from the fraudulent sale to Sidney Jayasinghe himself. However, in an affidavit filed in a Fundamental Rights petition, Jayasinghe stated that while he received money from Gammanpila, he had no recollection of what happened to it—a statement that, if true, raises even more questions about the extent of the financial misconduct involved.
During cross-examination, Defense Counsel Shavendra Fernando, PC, attempted to challenge the credibility of Perera’s claims, suggesting inconsistencies in his recollection of events. Perera maintained that he had worked for Amsro Lanka Pvt Ltd, a company that had no direct connection to Shaddik but was linked to several investment ventures the Australian had been involved in. Despite Fernando’s efforts to discredit him, Perera’s testimony reinforced allegations of financial impropriety.
Judge R. Gurusinghe has since scheduled further hearings for October 8, 2019, as the defense struggled to counter the weight of evidence presented. The case against Gammanpila, which includes charges of forgery, financial misappropriation, and breach of trust, is gaining momentum, with potential ramifications for his political future.
This is not the first time Gammanpila has faced accusations of financial misconduct. According to Jayasinghe’s book, Gammanpila’s involvement in dubious financial deals dates back nearly two decades. In 1996 and 1997, he was allegedly involved in forging the signature of an Australian national to facilitate illegal transactions—a claim that, if substantiated, could further damage his credibility.
The Attorney General’s office has compiled a compelling case, detailing how Gammanpila misappropriated funds between September 26, 1996, and September 21, 1997. With mounting evidence, legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for holding political figures accountable for financial crimes, particularly those involving foreign investors.
With the upcoming legal proceedings and the release of Jayasinghe’s book, Gammanpila finds himself in an increasingly precarious position. While he has long portrayed himself as a nationalist hero, the allegations against him suggest a very different narrative—one of deception, exploitation, and financial misconduct.
His attempts to distance himself from the accusations have been met with skepticism, particularly as more details emerge about the transactions in question. The public, once captivated by his nationalist rhetoric, is now questioning whether they were merely pawns in a larger scheme.
The release of How to Defraud an Australian Investor has reignited discussions about corruption within Sri Lankan politics. Media outlets, both local and international, have begun scrutinizing Gammanpila’s financial history, while legal analysts debate the potential consequences of the court proceedings.
Public sentiment, too, is shifting. While Gammanpila has long enjoyed a loyal support base, the damning revelations in Jayasinghe’s book are forcing many to reconsider their stance. If the allegations hold, it could mark the downfall of a politician who once claimed to embody the will of the Sinhala nationalist movement.
Gammanpila’s case is emblematic of a larger issue—political corruption in Sri Lanka. For years, allegations of financial misconduct, nepotism, and abuse of power have plagued the country’s political landscape. Jayasinghe’s book serves as a stark reminder that such practices are not just historical footnotes but ongoing realities.
The Sri Lankan people have long demanded transparency and accountability from their leaders. Whether or not Gammanpila is ultimately convicted, this case underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on the Colombo High Court. Will justice be served, or will political influence shield Gammanpila from accountability? Sidney Jayasinghe’s book has provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings of political deception, but the final verdict lies in the hands of the judiciary.
For now, one thing is certain: the era of unquestioned political immunity is slowly coming to an end. The truth, no matter how inconvenient, has a way of surfacing—and when it does, it demands answers.
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by (2025-01-30 20:31:32)
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