There is a growing re-evaluation of the contentious bond deal, known as the bond scam, in Sri Lanka. This deal, which took place during the Maithrie-Ranil government, has sparked widespread concern among the Sri Lankan populace.
Many feel that justice has not been served in addressing the injustices that transpired. President Maithripala Sirisena appointed a presidential commission to investigate this controversial transaction during the good governance government.
However, there is a sense that no meaningful legal action has been taken against the individuals involved.
There are also allegations of attempts to shield the accused from accountability. It is evident that the bond scam was exploited for maximum political gain during the Sirisena’s government’s tenure, which lasted about four and a half years.
The bond deal that sold everywhere
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, was in the opposition and raised concerns about the bond scam.
However, no action was taken during the reign of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Former president and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna leader Mahinda Rajapaksa himself spoke about the bond deal, but the issue was forgotten over time.
This lack of action on the bond scam was a contributing factor to the people’s struggle in the country.
Under Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s rule, a tense and conflicted situation arose, leading to economic distress.
While Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was not involved in the scam, his failed and short-sighted actions during his short reign led to his downfall.
Poor economic and foreign exchange management resulted in shortages of essential commodities, including oil and gas.
Ultimately, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa fled the country, appointing Ranil Wickremesinghe, the former prime minister accused of bond fraud, as acting president.
Later, a majority of the representatives formed a government and took steps to address the bond fraud.
The fraud that Gotabaya also forgot
However, the government led by Gotabaya Rajapaksa played a significant role in controlling the coronavirus epidemic.
Gotabhaya once said, “we are the ones who do it best,” but it cannot be claimed that the entire state administration was done well for that reason alone.
The people of this country know very well how much has been done. 6.9 million people who voted for him that day also worked to drive Gotabhaya out.
It is important for everyone to clearly understand this phenomenon for the future. As another result, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa had to settle for 2.57 percent of the votes in the last presidential election.
This can also be considered as an occasion where the people’s dislike for Namal Rajapaksa was strongly expressed.
Resumption of power transfer and testing
Meanwhile, after facing various struggles and transformations, the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna-led National People’s Power, which originally had a voter base of 3 percent, has now succeeded in gaining power in the country.
This was achieved with the appointment of Anura Kumara Dissanayake as the President in the last presidential election. Soon after coming to power, President Dissanayake took steps to dissolve the parliament.
A three-member cabinet was formed to manage the country’s affairs until then, and Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was appointed as the Prime Minister.
In a recent press conference to announce the Cabinet decisions, the Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Media, Vijitha Herath, stated that legal investigations into the bond fraud have already commenced.
The former central bank governor is currently abroad. It is widely known that Ranil Wickremesinghe, the former Prime Minister at the time, was told that he was going abroad for a wedding.
However, Arjuna did not return either and is still staying abroad, seemingly avoiding the legal process in the country.
Arjuna fled the country saying he was going to a wedding
Minister Vijitha Herath has stated that the Ministry of Public Security has already taken legal action regarding the central bank bond scam.
The minister believes that Arjuna Mahendran’s wedding has now concluded and that he is expected to be promptly brought into the ongoing legal process. Additionally, the minister pointed out that since Ranil Wickramasinghe is not currently the president, he does not have immunity.
He mentioned that all matters related to the bond case were previously shielded under the power of immunity. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of holding all responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Community trust
The society is hopeful that investigations into bond fraud will be revitalized under President Anurakumara Dissanayake’s government. It is believed that this government is genuinely committed to addressing this issue.
It is a known fact that former President Maithripala Sirisena did not prioritize addressing the bond fraud, as evidenced by his actions at the time. He established a Presidential Commission to give the impression that he was taking legal action, but no significant progress was made.
Despite this, the media and the Bar Council of the Attorney General’s Department, led by President’s Attorney Dappula De Livera and President’s Attorney Mr. Yasanta Kodagoda, played a crucial role in exposing details of the scam.
Many were anticipating the evidence hearing of the commission. However, Arjuna Mahendran, who faced numerous charges before the Presidential Commission, managed to leave the country easily after the commission’s work was completed.
Legal authorities failed to take action against him until the facts were presented to the court and a travel ban was imposed. This allowed Arjuna Mahendran to leave the country based on this situation.
Arjuna, who is not a citizen of this country
It is a well-known fact that Arjuna Mahendran is not a citizen of this country. He is also not a dual citizen; he is a Singapore citizen. Despite this, he was appointed as the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan society had to bear the consequences of appointing a non-citizen as the Governor of the Central Bank. Who is responsible for this? It is essential to find answers to this question.
Therefore, it is evident that all those who played a part in appointing Arjuna Mahendran as the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka are accountable for this misconduct.
Is Anura Ranil’s friend?
Before the last presidential election, there were various stories circulating in the political arena regarding bond fraud. On one occasion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the presidential candidate of the National People’s Party, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as “my friend.”
Is this just a casual remark, or is there a special friendship between the two? This raises another social inquiry.
In response to this address, Anura Kumara Dissanayake posted, “You Ranil Wickramasinghe, do you know what a friend means? Shape up.”
President Anura Dissanayake stated that Ranil Wickramasinghe made this comment because he believes that the National People’s Power will win. He also emphasized that “after the 21st, Ranil will understand the extent of his friend.”
