No Obstacles to Justice in Central Bank Bond Scam; Government Reopens Investigation into Bond Scam

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister Vijitha Herath, the Cabinet Spokesperson provided clarity on the government's position and the ongoing investigation into the infamous Central Bank Treasury Bond Scam.

Minister Herath acknowledged the statement from the former Presidential Media Director, which claimed that Ranil Wickremesinghe was acquitted not due to innocence but because of the legal process.

He emphasized that the public is well aware of the history surrounding the Central Bank bond scam, which occurred in 2015 when Wickremesinghe was the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. At that time, Arjuna Mahendran, a close associate of Wickremesinghe, served as the Central Bank Governor.

"A parliamentary investigation revealed that the bond issuance was conducted under Wickremesinghe's instructions, as per an inquiry on Arjuna Mahendran. However, Parliament was dissolved, and the COPE was disbanded. The public is aware of these events," Minister Herath stated.

He further explained that another COPE was later formed under former MP Sunil Handunnetti, but many findings were suppressed by what he referred to as the "footnote gang."

Despite these challenges, Minister Herath assured that there are no obstacles now to summoning Wickremesinghe to court.

"We have started the investigation based on the COPE findings and commission reports. The main accused are the subject minister and the Central Bank Governor. Without them, justice cannot be served. Therefore, we are proceeding with the investigation based on the available data. This will take some time, but we are not seeking revenge," he added.