Do we want her back?????????????
BIG NO NO to Chandika.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Kawda mewata waga kiyanne?
Kawda mewata waga kiyanne?
Anura Bandaranaike, Wimal Weerawansa and Varuni Amunugama
By Frederica Jansz
Six months into office, President Chandrika Kumaratunga and her alliance government including the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna are still owing state media institutions over Rs. 22 million in dues having failed to pay for television and newspaper advertisements carried in the run-up to the April 2 general election.
The UPFA owe The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) a sum of Rs. 10,819,049.30/-, the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Rs. 9,083,295.29, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Rs. 1,269,600, ITN Rs. 904,006.25 and Lakhanda Radio Rs. 126,500.
 Letters sent to the advertising agency requesting a settlemetn of dues |  |
The monies are outstanding despite guidelines which dictate that any political advertisements in the run-up to an election must be paid for upfront and that no political party will be allowed credit.
Media institutions do not accept political advertisements unless payment is made upfront but with the state media being under the control of the UPFA in the run up to the 2004 general election, the party has literally gone to town, ironically pushing their slogan, "kawda mewata waga kiyanne?"
Triad Advertising Pvt Ltd., and its sister company Adpack Productions (Pvt) Ltd., handled the advertising campaign for the United People's Freedom Alliance.
Joint Managing Director, Triad, Varuni Amunugama, daughter of Finance Minister, Sarath Amunugama, said that they have made repeated requests to the government urging them to meet these costs but to no avail. "We have spoken with everyone concerned," she said, when asked if she had discussed the matter with Presidential Advisor, Mano Tittawela.
Zuhair knows nothing
Chairman, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, M.M. Zuhair, on the other hand claimed he knew nothing about this. "I am not personally aware - if this has come up for recovery then you will have to speak with the Finance Department," he said. Zuhair denied Mano Tittawela had discussed the matter with him and asked him to keep it under wraps.
We reliably learn that Tittawela had indeed discussed the matter both with Zuhair and Varuni Amunugama.
That the Chairman of the SLRC remains unaware that a sum exceeding Rs. 9 million is owing to the corporation only confirms the sorry state this state arm of the media is in under his stewardship.
On May 28 this year, the accounts officer of the marketing division at SLRC wrote to the media manager at Adpack Production drawing attention to the outstanding balance of Rs. 9.8 million. According to the letter, the monies are due for television advertisements carried for Tourism and Investment Promotion Minister Anura Bandaranaike and the JVP.
Loss of credibility
Varuni Amunugama said Adpack handled the media campaign for the United People's Freedom Alliance in the weeks preceding April 2, 2004. She reiterated there is no hard and fast rule that insists on payment upfront for political advertisements but said credit is given in certain cases if the advertising agency lends an assurance.
how chandrika fought with JVP... do we want to repeart history?
Alliance battle hots up Inside Politics By Suranimala While the clash between the JVP and President Chandrika Kumaratunga intensified last week following allegations and counter allegations of financial impropriety and corruption, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was preparing the groundwork to declare his candidature for the 2005 presidential election at the UNP's December session. The crisis within the UPFA has been simmering for sometime now with regular reports reaching the President from SLFP organisers much to her consternation that the JVP was making inroads into the party's electoral base. To make matters worse, JVP members were also openly critical of the government on the handling of the economy, going so far as to promote strikes and on several occasions even threatening to topple the government unless their policies were adhered to. |  Anura Dissanayake, Mangala Samaraweera, K. D. Lalkantha, Wimal Weerawans and Chandrika Kumaratunga |
At the same time, the JVP also tied President Kumaratunga's hands with regard to resuming negotiations with the LTTE based on the Interim Self Governing Authority (ISGA) proposals and unbelting the US$ 4.5 billion aid pledged in Tokyo, making it that much more difficult for her to deliver on the pledges made in the Rata Perata election manifesto.
Thus, on the one hand the JVP stymied Kumaratunga with regard to generating employment and development whilst on the other, led protest campaigns due to her failure in delivering on the promises made.
The net result was the growing unpopularity of the SLFP whilst the JVP continued to cater to the masses' disenchantment with vociferous protests and tapping into the SLFP base due to their growing disillusionment.
It is the culmination of these factors aggravated by the exclusive control the JVP wielded over the 10,000 small tank rehabilitation project which eventually got the President activated resulting in the floodgates being opened for charges and counter charges.
But even the JVP, which knows only too well the President desperately needs their support to abolish the executive presidency, did not anticipate Kumaratunga's counter-strike would come in the form of a cabinet note casting aspersions of financial mismanagement with regard to the tank project.
Battle
Do we want these people to come to power?
| ||
 Ousted minister Mangala Samaraweera leaving Parliament after making a special statement, was warmly welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and well-wishers at the Parliament drive roundabout yesterday. Here, a supporter garlands a beaming Mr. Samaraweera. The other ousted minister Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi is also in the picture. | ||
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| What? Has gay weddings become legal in Sri Lanka? I did not know! . |
The incorruptible and never late Chandrika
The incorruptible and never late Chandrika
![[GOSHAKA]](http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/01/18/Goshaka.jpg)
WAITING: Why did not Chandrika ever keep an appointment? Why did she make it a point to get late? She had absolute contempt for the vassals who voted for them and treated them as Praveni Dasa's. Therefore, in order to make her presence felt by them, the vilest scum of the earth, she made it a routine to get late.
The hoi-polloi does not have any urgent business, so they can afford to wait for me, was the impression she gave. The people waited for hours, like waiting for Godot. I believe, she enjoyed these trysts with the destiny of other people.
 |
As the President, she wielded so much power, which even her grandfather did not have. Most people simply gave in waited for hours, until the Queen of Sri Lanka arrived. Some of her supporters were so shameless, as their present position depended on her munificence and did not even show any opposition to her. She just refused to heed the press, especially her new friend and old foe.
All people who had absolute power conclude that the public has no opinion and they must be led up the garden path and that they love to be led by the herdsman. Chandrika never cared about public opinion. She continued to be late and continued to tell the people that the Bandaranaikes never robbed.
She was the most honest person in the entire country. She continued to defame everyone else. The public believed every single syllable she uttered.
They wanted to believe that the UNP was corrupt and that the UNP terrorized the people and that she was responsible for eradicating 'Dushanaya and Beeshanaya' The hoi-polloi, the scum of the earth, lapped up what she said and clapped thunderously when she went on a tirade against everyone else.
Princess Margaret visited Sri Lanka, she was kept waiting for nearly one hour by Chandrika. Chandrika must have derived the same pleasure that Idi Amin derived when he got white men to carry him, to show that he was superior to them.
What would have gone through the mind of Princess Margaret, or any other person with modicum of civility, is not a matter of conjecture. Not only the British, the Portuguese and the Dutch, who conquered us, felt that it was their prime obligation to civilize the barbarians.
The Portuguese and the Dutch missionaries thought of saving the poor souls from being eternally burnt in purgatory and hell by converting them. The missionaries had an abundance of sympathy for the souls of the barbarians and did not show any sympathy to the pagan heretics. They came with the Bible in one hand and the sword in the other.
The British thought it was their bounden duty to civilize the barbarians. When the head of State keeps waiting in the wings anyone and at the least, the Royalty of our former colonial masters, who had visited Sri Lanka for the tsunami, without getting down from the upper floor of the Temple Trees, the Princess would have felt that even after all the years of occupation, the British had failed to teach the first and the elementary lesson in Civilization and that is to keep an appointment.
The feeling that she is still the President, or that all Sri Lankans are her 'pravenidasayas', has not yet escaped her mind. Therefore, when she has to travelled on the National Air Line, it has to postpone its schedule by one hour to await the arrival of Chandrika.
This shows the depths into which this country has fallen, even after she departed from the Presidency. The national airline has no guts to fly without her.
I can understand the feeling of the other passengers who have to take connecting flights. They will not only miss their flights but miss important appointments. I know how the passengers panic when they miss their flights. Unlike Chandrika these are people who value their time, and often, time is very precious for them.
Who is responsible for this delay? During Premadasa's time, when he commissioned an Air Lanka plane to visit a destination, there was hue and cry.
The media went to town. I remember an editorial in a newspaper castigating him. Premadasa, the commoner, should pay more respect to the exchequer and the tax payers' money, but who are we to question Royalty or blue-blooded Chandrika? She will continue to treat everyone, even the officials of SriLankan Airlines, as her 'pravenidasayas'.
It is the duty of the President of the country to put a halt to this attitude of servile bureaucracy by those who will do anything to please their former masters at the tax payers' expense.
The Supreme Court is examining Chandrika's doings as some right thinking lawyers had had the courage to bring these deeds before it.
Recently, some judges of the Supreme Court submitted a report on the corrupt arms deal of some in the Security Forces. It is for the authorities to investigate the many deals that smack of corruption, which were published in a Sunday newspaper. What better newspaper, amongst us, has the evidence to show how corrupt Chandrika and her regime was as this newspaper.
It is in the interest of the nation that a proper investigation is conducted, into these exposures, to find out whether this editor was misleading the public or not.
As Chandrika is no longer immune to prosecution, the Attorney-General can decide whether to indict Chandrika or not. If the Attorney General decides to file indictment against Chandrika the State will not find a better witness than this editor to prove its cases.
As it comes to my mind, I enumerate below the great scams, corruption and unsavoury deals as disclosed by this Sunday newspaper and sometimes by the UNP Members of Parliament:
(1) The Galle Port: Awarding of the contract without transparency and flouting tender procedure
(2) The Puttalam Cement deal which was known as the 'Thawakkal Ganudenuwa'
(3) The massive fraud involved in the privatization of Air Lanka Ltd.
(4) Importing locomotives from France from a company which had never manufactured locomotive engines.
(5) The Air Lanka Air-Bus deal. This deal was known as the biggest racket of all. When the value of the air-buses were US$ 285 Million, Chandrika' s Government is alleged to have paid US$ 596 Million to purchase 6 Air Buses. An MP said in Parliament that depriving the Sri Lanka Government of US$ 205 Million was the greatest fraud committed by a Sinhalese since King Vijaya landed in Sri Lanka.
(6) The cancellation of the contract with a US firm, Evons International Ltd. to build a modern city in Fort, after the Central Bank was destroyed by a terrorist bomb. This cancellation made Suren Wickramasinghe, the then Chairman of the UDA, to resign and Sri Lanka had to pay US$ 250 Million to the company for the cancellation, as Mrs. Madeleine Albright, Additional Secretary of State, made a public statement to the effect that corruption in Sri Lanka starts from the Presidential Secretariat.
(7) The massive scam involving the privatization of the Oruwala Steel Corporation.
(8) The lack of Transparency in the deal involving the sale of a JEDB tea estate to a Nathan Aiyyadorai of Malaysia.
(9) The Hilton deal where Chandrika ordered US$ 120 million to be paid to Japan.
(10) Approving and granting of a loan of 400 Million to her friend Ronnie Pieris from the Bank of Ceylon, London Branch without any collateral.
When all exposures were being made by this editor of the Sunday newspaper, Chandrika continued to appear in the media to tell the people that she had not robbed one cent from the State. She spoke about the sacrifices she and her family had made.
She had sacrificed her father, her husband and ultimately gave an eye for the sake of the country. There was no one in the audience who grieved with her. Today, even the Supreme Court is examining her conduct.
It is an oft quoted cliche "that some people can be deceived all the time and all the people can be deceived for some of the time, but all people cannot be deceived all the time and the truth will survive at the end."
Most politicians seem to forget this home truth when they are in power. They seem to think that Sri Lanka is their praveni property and the dasas working in them should always elect them to power, otherwise the whole country would be ruined.
Let's not forget that there are many Tamils who are opposed to terrorism and are willing to work within a united Sri Lanka. I receive number of e-mails endorsing my views on the LTTE and terrorism and about arriving at the settlement which is acceptable to the majority of the majority and the majority of the minority. This e-mail proves my contention without a doubt.
hello,
read your nice article in the daily news about Anton Balasingham.
all what is stated may be right....
but Tamils should be made to feel they are part of the mainstream in every walk of life...
It can easily be done under current laws.. no need for new peace plans....
but there is NO political will in Colombo.... that is the big problem.
I Also Hope You Endorse meritocracy! I was born and brought up in Colombo....
I don't support separatist violence. I even wrote an article in Thinakaran (under pseuodonym) in October 2005 supporting then Presidential candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa.
But I feel the Sinhalese writers/reporters/journalists/editors etc should act with conscience to build up national unity.
this applies to editorial staff at Virakesari/ Thinakural/ Sudaroli also....
kind regards and season's greetings,
Corrupt politicians collude with the fraudster-mafia
Corrupt politicians collude with the fraudster-mafia
@LankaWeb / 04Nov2005
By N Kodituwakku former head of the revenue fraud investigation unit
Corruption committed by President Chandrika is concerned; I can say that I have concrete proof to prove her dishonest character. In the customs administration alone there are many instances where she had abused her executive power to protect the interests of the revenue fraudsters. Sometimes she had the audacity to send her own handwriting illegal orders. Instances are many where proceeds of crimes were released on her illegal orders. Leader of UNP Ranil is no exception. I can give a long list of such cases if these politico-cheats challenge my stance.
I make this announcement with a view to invite the attention of the civil society to the appalling situation in the number one revenue collection agency, i.e. customs administration, where the officers who fought organised revenue frauds are compelled to leave the country amidst death threats where no protection provided by the government.
It is reported in the print media today that Senior Customs Superintendent Athula Lankadeva had left the country amidst death threats for carrying out his duty against the organised revenue fraudsters. It is also reported that although the government promised protection to the officers whose life is under death threats, no such protection whatsoever provided, compelling Mr Lankadeva to leave the country. Sometime back it was reported in the media that a powerful politician was behind the gold coin scam that Mr Lankadeva was inquiring.
It appears that those who should take up these matters and also the media are indifferent to these terrible developments. This is not the first time that lawlessness in the country and targeting of the customs officers who refuse to give into the illegal demands of the fraudster-politico-mafia was targeted and eliminated
In March 2001 another fearless Customs Officer Mr Sujith Perera was brutally killed. Now it is a proven fact in Sri Lanka, that corrupt politicians collude with the fraudster-mafia. In Sujith's case, he was murdered in broad daylight, whilst he was inquiring into a massive revenue fraud ran into several hundred million rupees, alleged to have been committed by a business tycoon connected to a powerful politician.
Life threatening circumstances under which I left the country [in September, 2001] was another instance. As a result of stern action taken against another powerful revenue fraudster my life was under enormous risk and in the absence of any protected provided by the government I was forced to leave the country. At one point, having failed to secure any protection from the government, the then DGC, Mr Luskshman Perera, was forced to seek protection from the British High Commission to send me out of the country.
Truly this is the serious situation the pubic officers who fight corruption experience in Sri Lanka, which I believe that public has a right to know. Hence I invite the attention of the civil society in the country to pay immediate attention to this serious issue, particularly in the background where the corrupt political leadership turns a blind eye. In these circumstances, what is assured is that the organised revenue fraudsters would swindle the government revenue unabated, leaving the innocent people to suffer tremendously with very high cost of living.
In order to arrest this unhealthy situation and to arrest this unhealthy situation where the country continue to loose the services of the handful of officers, I honesty solicit the undivided support of all the media institutions to educate the public and to create a strong public opinion condemning the despicable actions by the fraudster-politico-mafia, where fraudster politicians openly collude with the government revenue fraudsters.
Further to accusation made by the President against the public services and judiciary for corrupt practices, I thought I should speak out the truth behind the problem and expose those who are actually responsible and accountable for the ever-deteriorating plight of quality of living of the people of Sri Lanka.
I have worked in the customs administration for over two decades [1978 -2001] and headed the revenue fraud investigation unit before I finally left the country in September 2001. I take full responsibility for the information reveal in this document, which is authentic and based on my lifetime experience in fight against the organised fraudster-politico-maifa.
It is absolutely true that as President Chandrika says that not only the police and judiciary, the entire govt mechanism is corrupted. However, the issue is not about the corruption in the public service but those who are responsible for encouraging and promoting corruption in the state sector. I can say with certainty, with extensive experience in the fight against the organised fraudster-politico-mafia it is non other than the SLFP leadership headed by Chandrika and the UNP leadership headed by Ranil & Co are ones who are directly responsible for ruining the country and spreading this decease now look likes almost incurable.
Irony is that people of Sri Lanka still believe these self-centred political cheats. I have lived in the Europe now well over three years and I have found that in this part of the world no politicians dare to play with the govt revenue, whereas in Sri Lanka such actions are a very common occurrence.
In Sri Lanka I have observed that whenever a powerful revenue fraudster is caught the political leadership intervenes and force the relevant enforcement agency to set the fraudster free. If refused to abide by the illegal orders the destiny of the official concerned is extremely dangerous. That person may be subjected to endless persecution, may be murdered, thrown acid or forced to leave the country. There are many such instances in the recent history where such officials were subjected to all sorts of harassment.
Corruption committed by President Chandrika is concerned; I can say that I have concrete proof to prove her dishonest character. In the customs administration alone there are many instances where she had abused her executive power to protect the interests of the revenue fraudsters. Sometimes she had the audacity to send her own handwriting illegal orders. Instances are many where proceeds of crimes were released on her illegal orders. Leader of UNP Ranil is no exception. I can give a long list of such cases if these politico-cheats challenge my stance.
For the information of the people information just a few of such cases is set out below.
" In 1994, the UNP that took people for a ride was removed and PA headed by Chandrika was elected to set record straight. People had a faith in her and expected a lot from her. In fact, I was a member of her election monitoring team. But her actions and the way she conducted the government business after came into power was appalling. For instance, Customs had forfeited a large number of vehicles valued several million rupees imported by Mannaperuma Traders for defrauding the government revenue. They were awaiting disposal and the proceeds were to credit to the revenue. The fraudster attempted many occasions to get them released when the UNP was in power but failed because of pressure brought upon the leadership by the media. However when Chandrika was elected to power in 1994 she had courage to do what UNP did not have. On her orders the then DGC Weerasekara released all the productions [a large number of luxury vehicles confiscated by customs] back to the government revenue fraudster. When this illegal action was exposed in the media and what happened afterwards was terrifying. Instead of verifying the truth of the information my home was subjected to search and I was arrested. Because the govt suspected that I was responsible for the release of the information as I had nabbed and dealt with the smuggler.
" Killing of Sujith Perera - Sujith was inquiring into a major revenue fraud ran into several million rupees committed by Harry Jayawardena. He had collected black and white evidence to prove the case against Harry. Harry managed to get a restraining order against Customs to stop the case against him. Sujith did his best to get the order vacated and just few days after the discussions with DSG Siripawan he was killed. There was clear evidence that killer Anura Weerawansa had number of cell phone contacts with Harry including two in the morning where Sujith was killed. But no body was bothered to inquire into it. In fact, this matter was raised in the High Court trial at bar but the police said that " evidence against Harry was inadequate".
" Throwing acid at govt auditor Arambewela making him permanently blind and incapacitated. This is another case where the official refused to give into the demands of the fraudster politician involved in a public funds fraud.
" Once two Cameroon nations were caught at the airport attempted to smuggle out two hundred thousands US dollars [$200,000]. Customs confiscated the contraband. President then Chandrika directly intervened and at the request of Pettah Businessman, [Latha Jewellers] directed Customs chief to "give every possible relief" to the smuggler. It was a hand written order by the President. If President Chandrika has forgotten her action I am prepare to produce a copy of her order for the information of the people.
" I can recall another case where the then PM Ranil abused his office to release proceeds of crime. During that time duty free car permits issued to the parliamentarians were subject to stringent restrictions. Then law prohibited Sale, lease or disposal in any other manner of such vehicles imported duty free. And the team of officers headed by me ceased number of such vehicles disposed illegally and confiscated them. However on the orders of Ranil, then PM all the vehicles were released and on the PMs directions any further actions against such illegal disposals were completely abandoned. After his illegal order and release of the goods Ranil had the audacity to make a press statement that he directed the customs to take stern action against such illegal disposal of duty free vehicles, which was published in the head line of the government controlled media - Silumaina. This is the true state of affairs in the government business in the democratic socialist republic of Sri Lanka.
" There is another interesting case where DB came out of his shell to set free another revenue fraudster. Then it was Premasiri Stores the culprit, the sole importer of Bigen hair dye from Japan. Premasiri Stores imported this product from Japan under stating the value for customs purposes - declared value was less than ½ of the actual value and thereby defrauding the government revenue ran into millions of rupees. Action was taken against the importer and some shipments, where it was proved that value had been understated, were confiscated. Then the then Presidnet DBW came forward to protect the interest of the fraudster and on his orders all goods confiscated were released to the government revenue fraudster, which action encouraged all the importers to understate the value further and pay less and less taxes. The anti-social implications by these actions were tremendous. Clearly these stupid actions had resulted in creating social unrest amongst the unjustified rich and the poor that had become poorer. By the President's illegal action precedence was created to the benefit of all revenue fraudsters, which they used to their maximum advantage. It not only allowed them to misappropriate government tax but it also had an adverse effect in the income distribution amongst the rich and the poor.
" Chandrika's intervention at the request of Reggie Ranatunga to suppress another fraud case. This incident happened in August 2001. It was referred to another case where customs enforced law against illegal importation of luxury bens car defraying revenue and imposed a heavy fine running into several million rupees on the fraudster. This is one of the cases in the history where customs plainly refused to give into the illegal political demands. But what really happened afterwards clearly demonstrates the level of maladministration in the government business. Chandrika directly intervened and nullify the order made in the case. And when this issue was raised in the parliament [09-10- 2001] Reggie Ranatunga vehemently denied it and he made a frivolous and groundless allegation against me [the person who conduct the fraud inquiry] that I demanded a bribe of 2.5 million rupees to drop the case.
No point taking nonsense after having failed in their public duty
Now after having totally failed their obligation to the people, there is no point blaming defenceless public officers who are made to turn blind eye against the crimes committed by the self-centred politico-cheats. They are the ones responsible for creating a culture where the public officials are induced to accept "santosams". Naturally most officials do not wish to challenge the illegal orders of the politico-cheats and undergo trouble but prefer to follow easy path.
It is very sad that in Sri Lanka, may be since independence, no political leader elected by the people has paid any attention to the importance of pursuing a strict fiscal policy equal to all; that no social benefit can be offered to the less fortuned poor unless the stringent measures are taken to protect the government revenue and to deal with defaulters with severe penalties, setting examples others to follow.
How the system operated in the developed nations
In this regard it is well worth to have some idea as to how the system operates in the Europe. Here no politicians dare to play with the government revenue, which considered a fatal error in judgement if committed. The politicians understand the importance of protection of the Govt revenue, which is used for a vast area of social welfare. These countries can afford to do that because no one tries to play with the government revenue and hence naturally a massive volume of revenue is collected. Take for an example England and see how smoothly the system operates there and the enormous benefits offered to less affluent people because tax system works to rule generating massive revenue for government business. Some such benefits are set out below.
" High-quality National Health Service is absolutely free to all.
" Those who are unemployed are provided an income support, which is quite adequate to lead a satisfactory life.
" Those who employed but receive any thing less than minimum wage that the family require [depending on the number of dependants] are paid tax credit - a substantial sum paid by the Inland Revenue - to improve the quality of life.
" Those who cannot afford their own house or pay rent are either provided a house by the govt or rent is paid by the govt.
" Irrespective of the social status every child less than 16 years of age is paid a special childcare allowance called "child benefit", which is also substantial amount.
" Every child attend school all get textbooks, exercise books and other stationeries absolutely free
" For children from low-income families are supported with assisted transport [free train and bus passes], free school lunch [schools sessions end at 3.30] and free uniforms.
Open your eyes and see as to what is offered to poor in Sri Lanka today, it is almost nothing. Poor are denied any support or benefit and made to suffer for no fault of them. Clearly, the fault is on the part of the self-centred political leadership that has ignored its responsibility to the people for its own convenience. Who pay tax in Sri Lanka? Only those who cannot afford to evade the tax. Those who are influential conveniently evade government revenue in billions. I doubt the government collect 10% of the revenue that it should have collected. It seems no one is interested and the public is ignorant or not concerned. The truth is that politicians have become a curse to future of the country. They are readily prepared to stand to protect the interests of the government revenue defaulters. Probably the fraudsters are the key players responsible for raising massive sums required for elections.
@LankaWeb / 04Nov2005
By N Kodituwakku former head of the revenue fraud investigation unit
Corruption committed by President Chandrika is concerned; I can say that I have concrete proof to prove her dishonest character. In the customs administration alone there are many instances where she had abused her executive power to protect the interests of the revenue fraudsters. Sometimes she had the audacity to send her own handwriting illegal orders. Instances are many where proceeds of crimes were released on her illegal orders. Leader of UNP Ranil is no exception. I can give a long list of such cases if these politico-cheats challenge my stance.
I make this announcement with a view to invite the attention of the civil society to the appalling situation in the number one revenue collection agency, i.e. customs administration, where the officers who fought organised revenue frauds are compelled to leave the country amidst death threats where no protection provided by the government.
It is reported in the print media today that Senior Customs Superintendent Athula Lankadeva had left the country amidst death threats for carrying out his duty against the organised revenue fraudsters. It is also reported that although the government promised protection to the officers whose life is under death threats, no such protection whatsoever provided, compelling Mr Lankadeva to leave the country. Sometime back it was reported in the media that a powerful politician was behind the gold coin scam that Mr Lankadeva was inquiring.
It appears that those who should take up these matters and also the media are indifferent to these terrible developments. This is not the first time that lawlessness in the country and targeting of the customs officers who refuse to give into the illegal demands of the fraudster-politico-mafia was targeted and eliminated
In March 2001 another fearless Customs Officer Mr Sujith Perera was brutally killed. Now it is a proven fact in Sri Lanka, that corrupt politicians collude with the fraudster-mafia. In Sujith's case, he was murdered in broad daylight, whilst he was inquiring into a massive revenue fraud ran into several hundred million rupees, alleged to have been committed by a business tycoon connected to a powerful politician.
Life threatening circumstances under which I left the country [in September, 2001] was another instance. As a result of stern action taken against another powerful revenue fraudster my life was under enormous risk and in the absence of any protected provided by the government I was forced to leave the country. At one point, having failed to secure any protection from the government, the then DGC, Mr Luskshman Perera, was forced to seek protection from the British High Commission to send me out of the country.
Truly this is the serious situation the pubic officers who fight corruption experience in Sri Lanka, which I believe that public has a right to know. Hence I invite the attention of the civil society in the country to pay immediate attention to this serious issue, particularly in the background where the corrupt political leadership turns a blind eye. In these circumstances, what is assured is that the organised revenue fraudsters would swindle the government revenue unabated, leaving the innocent people to suffer tremendously with very high cost of living.
In order to arrest this unhealthy situation and to arrest this unhealthy situation where the country continue to loose the services of the handful of officers, I honesty solicit the undivided support of all the media institutions to educate the public and to create a strong public opinion condemning the despicable actions by the fraudster-politico-mafia, where fraudster politicians openly collude with the government revenue fraudsters.
Further to accusation made by the President against the public services and judiciary for corrupt practices, I thought I should speak out the truth behind the problem and expose those who are actually responsible and accountable for the ever-deteriorating plight of quality of living of the people of Sri Lanka.
I have worked in the customs administration for over two decades [1978 -2001] and headed the revenue fraud investigation unit before I finally left the country in September 2001. I take full responsibility for the information reveal in this document, which is authentic and based on my lifetime experience in fight against the organised fraudster-politico-maifa.
It is absolutely true that as President Chandrika says that not only the police and judiciary, the entire govt mechanism is corrupted. However, the issue is not about the corruption in the public service but those who are responsible for encouraging and promoting corruption in the state sector. I can say with certainty, with extensive experience in the fight against the organised fraudster-politico-mafia it is non other than the SLFP leadership headed by Chandrika and the UNP leadership headed by Ranil & Co are ones who are directly responsible for ruining the country and spreading this decease now look likes almost incurable.
Irony is that people of Sri Lanka still believe these self-centred political cheats. I have lived in the Europe now well over three years and I have found that in this part of the world no politicians dare to play with the govt revenue, whereas in Sri Lanka such actions are a very common occurrence.
In Sri Lanka I have observed that whenever a powerful revenue fraudster is caught the political leadership intervenes and force the relevant enforcement agency to set the fraudster free. If refused to abide by the illegal orders the destiny of the official concerned is extremely dangerous. That person may be subjected to endless persecution, may be murdered, thrown acid or forced to leave the country. There are many such instances in the recent history where such officials were subjected to all sorts of harassment.
Corruption committed by President Chandrika is concerned; I can say that I have concrete proof to prove her dishonest character. In the customs administration alone there are many instances where she had abused her executive power to protect the interests of the revenue fraudsters. Sometimes she had the audacity to send her own handwriting illegal orders. Instances are many where proceeds of crimes were released on her illegal orders. Leader of UNP Ranil is no exception. I can give a long list of such cases if these politico-cheats challenge my stance.
For the information of the people information just a few of such cases is set out below.
" In 1994, the UNP that took people for a ride was removed and PA headed by Chandrika was elected to set record straight. People had a faith in her and expected a lot from her. In fact, I was a member of her election monitoring team. But her actions and the way she conducted the government business after came into power was appalling. For instance, Customs had forfeited a large number of vehicles valued several million rupees imported by Mannaperuma Traders for defrauding the government revenue. They were awaiting disposal and the proceeds were to credit to the revenue. The fraudster attempted many occasions to get them released when the UNP was in power but failed because of pressure brought upon the leadership by the media. However when Chandrika was elected to power in 1994 she had courage to do what UNP did not have. On her orders the then DGC Weerasekara released all the productions [a large number of luxury vehicles confiscated by customs] back to the government revenue fraudster. When this illegal action was exposed in the media and what happened afterwards was terrifying. Instead of verifying the truth of the information my home was subjected to search and I was arrested. Because the govt suspected that I was responsible for the release of the information as I had nabbed and dealt with the smuggler.
" Killing of Sujith Perera - Sujith was inquiring into a major revenue fraud ran into several million rupees committed by Harry Jayawardena. He had collected black and white evidence to prove the case against Harry. Harry managed to get a restraining order against Customs to stop the case against him. Sujith did his best to get the order vacated and just few days after the discussions with DSG Siripawan he was killed. There was clear evidence that killer Anura Weerawansa had number of cell phone contacts with Harry including two in the morning where Sujith was killed. But no body was bothered to inquire into it. In fact, this matter was raised in the High Court trial at bar but the police said that " evidence against Harry was inadequate".
" Throwing acid at govt auditor Arambewela making him permanently blind and incapacitated. This is another case where the official refused to give into the demands of the fraudster politician involved in a public funds fraud.
" Once two Cameroon nations were caught at the airport attempted to smuggle out two hundred thousands US dollars [$200,000]. Customs confiscated the contraband. President then Chandrika directly intervened and at the request of Pettah Businessman, [Latha Jewellers] directed Customs chief to "give every possible relief" to the smuggler. It was a hand written order by the President. If President Chandrika has forgotten her action I am prepare to produce a copy of her order for the information of the people.
" I can recall another case where the then PM Ranil abused his office to release proceeds of crime. During that time duty free car permits issued to the parliamentarians were subject to stringent restrictions. Then law prohibited Sale, lease or disposal in any other manner of such vehicles imported duty free. And the team of officers headed by me ceased number of such vehicles disposed illegally and confiscated them. However on the orders of Ranil, then PM all the vehicles were released and on the PMs directions any further actions against such illegal disposals were completely abandoned. After his illegal order and release of the goods Ranil had the audacity to make a press statement that he directed the customs to take stern action against such illegal disposal of duty free vehicles, which was published in the head line of the government controlled media - Silumaina. This is the true state of affairs in the government business in the democratic socialist republic of Sri Lanka.
" There is another interesting case where DB came out of his shell to set free another revenue fraudster. Then it was Premasiri Stores the culprit, the sole importer of Bigen hair dye from Japan. Premasiri Stores imported this product from Japan under stating the value for customs purposes - declared value was less than ½ of the actual value and thereby defrauding the government revenue ran into millions of rupees. Action was taken against the importer and some shipments, where it was proved that value had been understated, were confiscated. Then the then Presidnet DBW came forward to protect the interest of the fraudster and on his orders all goods confiscated were released to the government revenue fraudster, which action encouraged all the importers to understate the value further and pay less and less taxes. The anti-social implications by these actions were tremendous. Clearly these stupid actions had resulted in creating social unrest amongst the unjustified rich and the poor that had become poorer. By the President's illegal action precedence was created to the benefit of all revenue fraudsters, which they used to their maximum advantage. It not only allowed them to misappropriate government tax but it also had an adverse effect in the income distribution amongst the rich and the poor.
" Chandrika's intervention at the request of Reggie Ranatunga to suppress another fraud case. This incident happened in August 2001. It was referred to another case where customs enforced law against illegal importation of luxury bens car defraying revenue and imposed a heavy fine running into several million rupees on the fraudster. This is one of the cases in the history where customs plainly refused to give into the illegal political demands. But what really happened afterwards clearly demonstrates the level of maladministration in the government business. Chandrika directly intervened and nullify the order made in the case. And when this issue was raised in the parliament [09-10- 2001] Reggie Ranatunga vehemently denied it and he made a frivolous and groundless allegation against me [the person who conduct the fraud inquiry] that I demanded a bribe of 2.5 million rupees to drop the case.
No point taking nonsense after having failed in their public duty
Now after having totally failed their obligation to the people, there is no point blaming defenceless public officers who are made to turn blind eye against the crimes committed by the self-centred politico-cheats. They are the ones responsible for creating a culture where the public officials are induced to accept "santosams". Naturally most officials do not wish to challenge the illegal orders of the politico-cheats and undergo trouble but prefer to follow easy path.
It is very sad that in Sri Lanka, may be since independence, no political leader elected by the people has paid any attention to the importance of pursuing a strict fiscal policy equal to all; that no social benefit can be offered to the less fortuned poor unless the stringent measures are taken to protect the government revenue and to deal with defaulters with severe penalties, setting examples others to follow.
How the system operated in the developed nations
In this regard it is well worth to have some idea as to how the system operates in the Europe. Here no politicians dare to play with the government revenue, which considered a fatal error in judgement if committed. The politicians understand the importance of protection of the Govt revenue, which is used for a vast area of social welfare. These countries can afford to do that because no one tries to play with the government revenue and hence naturally a massive volume of revenue is collected. Take for an example England and see how smoothly the system operates there and the enormous benefits offered to less affluent people because tax system works to rule generating massive revenue for government business. Some such benefits are set out below.
" High-quality National Health Service is absolutely free to all.
" Those who are unemployed are provided an income support, which is quite adequate to lead a satisfactory life.
" Those who employed but receive any thing less than minimum wage that the family require [depending on the number of dependants] are paid tax credit - a substantial sum paid by the Inland Revenue - to improve the quality of life.
" Those who cannot afford their own house or pay rent are either provided a house by the govt or rent is paid by the govt.
" Irrespective of the social status every child less than 16 years of age is paid a special childcare allowance called "child benefit", which is also substantial amount.
" Every child attend school all get textbooks, exercise books and other stationeries absolutely free
" For children from low-income families are supported with assisted transport [free train and bus passes], free school lunch [schools sessions end at 3.30] and free uniforms.
Open your eyes and see as to what is offered to poor in Sri Lanka today, it is almost nothing. Poor are denied any support or benefit and made to suffer for no fault of them. Clearly, the fault is on the part of the self-centred political leadership that has ignored its responsibility to the people for its own convenience. Who pay tax in Sri Lanka? Only those who cannot afford to evade the tax. Those who are influential conveniently evade government revenue in billions. I doubt the government collect 10% of the revenue that it should have collected. It seems no one is interested and the public is ignorant or not concerned. The truth is that politicians have become a curse to future of the country. They are readily prepared to stand to protect the interests of the government revenue defaulters. Probably the fraudsters are the key players responsible for raising massive sums required for elections.
Do we want this Chandrika back!!
Sunday Leader October 2004
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Inspector General of Police, Chandra Fernando, Chief, National Police commission, Ranjit Abeysuriya and President Chandrika Kumaratunga |
By Frederica Jansz
That Sri Lanka's police have for eons been shackled and forced to cow down to politicians, sacrificing integrity, efficiency and discipline - is a given. This country may boast a National Police Commission and Sri Lanka has just welcomed a new police chief, but how independently they can both function despite good intentions is questionable.
When we spoke with Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chandra Fernando he admitted that some police officers may still approach politicians for transfers and promotions, but he said his door is always open for any police officer to approach him first and make such request.
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The letter from the Public Security, Law and Order Ministry |
The Letter from Anura Bandaranaike |
No political pressure
Fernando maintains he will not bend to political pressure - but this country has heard these claims before. Given the dismal track record of his predecessors in this area, the new police chief will have to prove himself before he can expect the general public to take his statement seriously. (See box for comments)
We have evidence this week which proves that from the President down, Kumaratunga and her ministerial counterparts including mere political party organisers are dictating matters to the police and continuing to interfere with the functions of the Police Department with impunity.
Whether Chandra Fernando and his counterpart Chief, National Police Commission, Ranjit Abeysuriya will have the courage to remain independent in the face of such political interference from President Kumaratunga and her ministerial cohorts, with the aim of upholding decency and integrity is a matter that both these gentlemen have yet to prove.
IGP Chandra Fernando says that certain police officers may know politicians and that is why they make their requests to the politicians or that a politician may know certain police officers "who are good and efficient" and that is why the requests are initiated.
This reasoning is certainly not good enough for us, sir - the general public. In fact, such statements are ludicrous if not downright pathetic. The new IGP will either have to get his act together fast or be content with becoming just another puppet on a string and a standard joke in society, before he has even had time to warm his chair. And here's why.
Letters
On August 12 this year, Industry, Tourism and Investment Promotion Minister, Anura Bandaranaike wrote to Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of personnel, recruitment and basic training Victor Perera stating that he wants 'Ranjit Kotattchi' who is serving at the Kayts police station to be transferred to a police station either at Kohuwela, Maharagama or Homagama. The letter has been copied to Ranjit Kotattchi as well.
Bandaranaike's letter was preceded by another sent on July 27, 2004 from the office of the President no less. This letter is signed by T. A. Sumanatissa Thabugala who identifies himself as being from the Presidential Secretariat.
He too informs DIG Victor Perera that the President would appreciate if he would ensure C. Ranjit Kotattchi serving at Kayts police station is transferred as an officer in charge to a police station in Colombo.
How Kumaratunga and her beloved brother are in the know that this particular police officer is "good and efficient" and qualifies for a transfer to Colombo is certainly a matter for the new Police Chief to investigate.
No interference?
Even more serious is why the IGP is being sidelined by his own men who have obviously concluded that the President and her brother and not the police chief are a better bet for furthering their career prospects. Surely this should be an area for Chandra Fernando to probe?
On a separate instance, President Kumaratunga has personally approved the transfer of a policeman identified to be a party supporter to take over as OIC of the Homagama police station.
In a letter written on a parliamentary letterhead to the President and signed by SLFP organiser in Homagama, Gamini Thilakasiri, informs the President that OIC Athula Weerasinghe is to receive a promotion. He has requested the President to fill Weerasinghe's vacancy with that of Chief Inspector G. J. Nandana. He says that Nandana is a party loyalist and if he is appointed to this chair it would greatly benefit the party.
Kumaratunga has personally authorised the request with instructions to forward same to the law and order minister. Despite this evidence, which is of course available at police headquarters, IGP Chandra Fernando claims "there is no political interference that I know of in the police department." Come, come, Mr. IGP, who do you believe you are kidding?
Unaware
The President's office on July 6, 2004 has separately acknowledged receipt of a letter written by the Ven. Kiridawella Somarathana on July 5, 2004. In this letter the Buddhist monk is seeking to appoint one R. M. C. J. Ratnayake to an existing vacancy for OIC at the Ampara police station.
The priest adds for good measure that Ratnayake during his 18 years of service in the police was at one time in charge of one of the closest security units to the President. This letter too, Kumaratunga has personally attested approving such appointment.
On August 13, this year, G. R. D. Sunil, from the Public Security, Law and Order Ministry, has written on behalf of the President to the IGP, who at the time was Indra de Silva, requesting police promotions.
The letter states he has included eight separate letters including one from the presidential secretariat which on behalf of the President has requested the relevant police officers to be promoted.
This letter, de Silva has forwarded to DIG Victor Perera who has officially acknowledged receipt on August 18, 2004.
National Police Commission Chief Ranjit Abeysuriya maintained he was totally unaware of these particular requests by the President, her brother Anura Bandaranaike, party organisers, the Ministry of Public Security, Law and Order and the Buddhist monk. "I am very surprised - I know nothing of these requests," he said. Interestingly however, just two days prior to Indra de Silva's retirment he sent a letter containing 30 names identified for transfer to various police stations and it so happened some of the names recommended by the President and Anura Bandaranaike came to be in that list.
Confidential information
Abeysuriya admitted that former IGP Indra de Silva on the eve of his departure from the Police Department, "sent us a whole lot of proposed transfers of OICs and ASPs, but we have kept them all on hold. I have made a minute saying we cannot act until I consult the new IGP Chandra Fernando."
When told that the President herself has personally authorised some of the letters seeking the transfer of certain police officers some of whom have been identified as those supportive of the President and her party, Abeysuriya said, "this is a problem we will always have. We do take decisions on matters originated by the IGP but why the IGP initially took action we will never know. Whether such action has been independent, taken on his own or politically motivated we will never know."
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