Who is protecting Gamini Senarath?

Colombo (News1st): The authorities of the country have been tight-lipped on certain individuals who have been accused of serious wrongdoings.

Who is protecting these people?

Gamini Sedara Senarath

Who is Gamini Sedara Senarath?

During Mahinda Rajapaksa's tenure as President, it was this person who controlled all strategic points of the economy from his office. He was the former President's chief of staff, the Chairman of People's Bank, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and Litro Gas. Almost all state-owned enterprises were under his control and many in the top brass of the past government were his friends. With the change of Government in 2015, many allegations were directed towards him and many civil organizations and anti-corruption activists lodged complaints against him at all law enforcement authorities appointed to arrest thieves.

What are the accusations leveled against him?

One of the main accusations faced by him is that he had allegedly acquired around Rs. 11.5 Billion from Temple Trees, during the Presidential election in 2015. Further, it was revealed that many individuals including Gamini Senarath had obtained money at will through the tender process called to acquire gas to the Litro Gas Company. A probe into this matter was launched in 2013. Documents relating to his illegal dealings were presented to the Department of Inland Revenue in 2015 following the appointment of the new government. He also has allegations leveled against him for fraudulently obtaining over Rs. 500 million from Litro gas and the Employee's Provident Fund (EPF) in the guise of a hotel construction project. However, a case is being heard at the Permanent high Court trial at bar, only against the allegation mentioned above. Probes into the other allegations of fraud and corruption seem to be in a crippled state. According to the news reports quoting social media on the 14th of November, 2017, the former Minister of Law and Order Sagala Rathnayake, was accused of protecting this individual. Civil Activists and Anti Corruption activists also leveled this allegation against the former minister of law and order from time to time. Chairman of Anti Corruption Front Venerable Ulapane Sumagala Thero said when Gamini Senarath and a few others were arrested many started to question, who was protecting them. According to the thero the FCID officials who were overlooking the investigation pushed it on to the police in a bid to cover up their faults. Convener of the Left Center Chameera Perera also made a comment in this regard. He noted that those in seats of Power took steps to close down the Anti Corruption secretariat because it was through this secretariat that the FCID received orders and instructions to investigate individuals such as Gamini Senrath. All underhand dealings, no matter how meticulous they are, will be revealed in the end. Likewise, the identity of the people protecting people such as Gamini Sedara Senarath will come to light in the near future.