Suitcase with cash and $1000 million in a Dubai bank account – Sri Lankan presidents speak candidly about corruption

by admin
Oct 29, 2024

Sri Lanka’s former presidents made starting revelations about the extent of bribery and corruption on the island in a surprisingly candid conversation earlier this month, detailing how cash was even brought directly to their offices.

Image courtesy: Infusion Studio

Sri Lanka’s former presidents made starting revelations about the extent of bribery and corruption on the island in a surprisingly candid conversation earlier this month, detailing how cash was even brought directly to their offices.

At an event organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, three former Presidents—Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena, and Ranil Wickremesinghe—appeared on stage together.

Former President Kumaratunga recalled that when she was prime minister, the husband of a junior minister, along with a Singaporean businessman, offered her a $5 million bribe to approve a deal. The offer, made in her office at Parliament, she says was rejected, and she warned the individuals involved of possible arrest. No action was taken, however.

Kumaratunga also highlighted the culture of corruption that has plagued Sri Lanka, citing a former President who allegedly encouraged his Cabinet members to take bribes as long as they didn’t get caught.

She also claimed that the son of a Sri Lankan political leader had hidden a staggering US$1000 million in a Dubai bank account.“I saw the bank statement with my own eyes,” she said. “But, we could not charge him in court because we needed the original documents.”

Sirisena, echoing similar concerns, noted that corruption extended beyond politicians. He emphasized that state officials in key positions often facilitated these activities, making it difficult for ministers to act alone. His remarks drew laughter from the audience, many of whom seemed to recognize the familiar reality he described.

“Even if the constitution and law are well constructed, it doesn’t matter if the people in power don’t implement them. So, it is not just up to the leadership but also to officials and the machinery,” Sirisena said.

Though Kumaratunga spoke of refusing to accept a particular bribe, in 2008 Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court accused the former president of involved in corruption in providing prime land for a private company.

 

 

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