Kabir calls for an inquiry into 10bn loan

Colombo (News 1st) - Minister of Highways & Road Development, Kabir Hashim spoke to the media yesterday (August 10) regarding the Rs. 10 Bn loan granted to MTD Walkers PLC. Kabir Hashim was the former Minister of Public Enterprises and was the subject minister in charge of state banks He stated that several banks were under his purview but usually, the Minister does not get involved in loan granting programs. The Min. continued stating that, every bank has a talented board of directors and that it is this board that makes the decisions. Min. Hashim noted that each bank has a credit committee in the Director Board and that committee must make the recommendations for loans of this nature. Responding to a journalist, Min. Kabir Hashim said if a loan has been given in a corrupt manner, the officials must be held responsible. He further stated that action must be taken to recover the money and the country should not suffer losses. He went on noting that therefore there should be a proper inquiry done and legal action should be taken. Minister of UPFA, Shehan Semasinghe addressing a separate event also commented on the 10 Bn loan transaction stating that Kabir Hashim was present with Malik Samarawickrama and the Former Finance Minister to plan the Central Bank Treasury Bond Scam. He noted that after Ranil Wickremesinghe, it is Malik Samarawickreme who holds the responsibility of steering the Economic Committee, the Government and the United National Party. MP Semasinghe also stated that Malik Samarawickrama is a strong partner in all the activities done by the Government and that it should be highlighted and acknowledged.