Sujeewa fires back at high-speed railway allegations

Colombo (News1st): Speaking at a media briefing today, State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe expressed his views on allegations levelled regarding the proposed high-speed railway project. He said the BOI cannot approve concepts, he explained that the financial factors and information of previous projects have to be provided to the BOI. "Approval cannot be simply granted to the concept without this information," said the State Minister. He added that the BOI is a powerful institution and when such an institution provides a letter of approval, that carries a lot of weight and large concessions can be obtained. The State Minister noted that those involved in the project had refused to disclose who the directors of this company are and where the money is originating from. Senasinghe said the since this approval cannot be obtained, attempts are being made to obtain approval through threats. According to the state minister, an individual by the name of Anton Deshapriya is involved in the project. He is the younger brother of Nicholas Shrimal, a director of the project.  Deshapriya has allegedly pitched a project to the BOI regarding a sausage factory which eventually filed for bankruptcy, while the assets were taken over by the People's bank. While claiming that he take legal action in this regard the Sujeewa Senasinghe pointed the finger at the President and the PM and stated that they should be held responsible for this current issue. Senasinghe believes that the President could have inquired from him regarding the project before escalating the matter. He finally noted that he has to reconsider whether he wants to remain in politics in Sri Lanka.