"Respondents of the Central Bank Bond scam case identified" - President

Colombo (News 1st): President Maithripala Sirisena declared opened a newly constructed Sacred Relic Chamber and Sermon chamber at Palanda Raja Maha Viharaya yesterday (July 16). Rs. 26 million has been spent on the building that also consists of a museum and a library. Speaking at the event Anunayake of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Sangha Sabha Professor Venerable Kotapitiye Rahula Thero said the previous government came into power because of President Maithripala Sirisena and the others, however, clung on to him and secured power. He noted that the President let them amend the constitution and they have reduced his powers in the amended constitution with or without his consent. He questioned the president as to what he thinks about the criticism towards the Maha Sangha. He questioned; "Can't you do anything about it? Don't you have the power? With the executive powers vested in you by the people, can't you do something about this?" The Thero pointed out that the Central Bank Bond Scam was a disaster and nothing has been done about it yet, however, this country arrests people when coconuts and mangoes are stolen. Responding to this the president noted that during the address of the Anunayake, a statement made by a State Minister was mentioned. He noted that he saw the statement in media as well. The Head of State noted that despite the positions they hold, be it a minister or a state sector employee, they do not accept this type of behaviour and condemn and reject such statements. The President also expressed the following views.

"We have identified the respondents of the Central Bank Bond Scam case. Some have been arrested. Notices have been issued against those who have left the country. I personally held a discussion with the Prime Minister of Singapore about bringing down Arjuna Mahendran to the country. But we were informed that he is in hiding. Investigations are ongoing. Those who carried out this massive financial fraud are using their intelligence to not get caught. I'd like to state here that all those involved in the April 21st attacks have been arrested. If the death penalty is cancelled, we will not be able to impose the death penalty on them. That's why I have decided to implement the act to impose the death penalty."

Minister of Health Dr Rajitha Senaratne noted that the Mahanayake Thero wanted to search the bond scam perpetrators. He said not just them, they are yet to find the murderers and thieves during the previous regime. The Minister noted that this is why most of these people call them thieves.