Former minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa, arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate into Large Scale Corruption and Fraud on Friday, to provide a statement with regard to the alleged misuse of state funds.

Three main charges have been leveled against Basil Rajapaksa for alleged misuse of funds of the Gama Neguma project from the year 2010 to 2014.One charge leveled against the Former Minister is the misuse of  Rs.155.4 million  for domestic air travel.

Another charge leveled against Basil Rajapaksa is the use of 150 personnel from the Army and Navy as his personal staff, and misusing Rs.265 million of funds from the Gama Neguma project being paid to them on the grounds of salaries, benefits and and VIP security.

The third charge leveled against the former minister is the use of 14 vehicles in addition to the three vehicles allocated to him as a cabinet minister, and spending Rs.20 million on fuel for these 14 vehicles over a period of five years.

Ten persons, including Former Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, P.B. Jayasundara arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, to provide statements with regard to the granting of permission and approval for the usage of such funds for the alleged charges filed.

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