Fraud, corruption, abuse of power:

Mangala stands accused

Chaminda PERERA

Former Minister Mangala Samaraweera was involved in massive frauds and enjoyed the privileges of 10 Cabinet Ministers when he was the Ports and Aviation Minister, said Power Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

Addressing a press briefing at the Media Ministry, the Minister said Samaraweera was involved in leasing out a land belonging to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to a cement company owned by a UNP parliamentarian.

He said the Criminal Investigation Department was investigating this transaction.

Former Minister Samaraweera is engaged in slinging mud at the Government fearing the outcome of the investigation.

Minister Aluthgamage said Samaraweera has received a Rs. 12 million gratification after the transaction was completed and the cheque was issued in favour of a Foundation in Matara which was cashed by a close aide.

"The world will soon know how former Minister Mangala Samaraweera who himself appeared as the embodiment of sincerity was engaged in a number of frauds and financial mismanagement," he said.

The Minister said Samaraweera has said the Government was trying to arrest him as he was involved in critizing the Government.

Minister Aluthgamage said the motive behind this false propaganda campaign was to evade legal action against fraud in the ports and aviation sector.

He is the first Government Minister who fixed a lift to a two storied official residence.

The SLPA had allocated over Rs. 2 million for this, he said. A swimming pool was built at his residence when he was the Minister. The Minister said Samaraweera utilised over Rs. 120 million drawn from the SLPA for painting and partitioning his office building.

"Mangala Samaraweera defied the Government's decision to end the monopoly enjoyed by a cement company in relation to unloading cement from the Trincomalee Harbour", he said.

"Samaraweera did not allow other companies to engage in unloading cement and the particular company was given full right to unload cement for five years more".