Only Malik’s friends went to Thailand with president!

Nov 10, 2015

More than 80 Sri Lankan companies having export and import relations with Thailand had applied pursuant to an invitation through the Chamber of Commerce, Export Development Board and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to accompany president Maithripala Sirisena during his tour of recent Thailand.

However, international trade minister Malik Samarawickrama had chosen companies of his friends at his own free will and without any basis. Some of the companies selected by him are not having any trade relation with Thailand. The minister chose the below-mentioned friends and companies owned by them.

1.    Jith Gunaratne – John Keells Holdings Plc.
2.    Harry Jayawardena – Aitken Spence Plc.
3.    Suresh K. Shah – Carsons
4.    Samantha Ranatunga – CIC Holdings
5.    Malinga de Fonseka Arsekularatne – Hemas Holdings
6.    Mukthar Marikkar – Mac Frostair Industries
7.    Andrew Fernando – Mac Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd.
8.    Dhammika Perera – Valibal
9.    Jeevantha Wijesekara – Asia Holdings Lanka
10. Sanath Marasinghe – Dutch Lanka Entertainment
11. L.G.N.Y. Abeytunga – Serendibus International
12. Hashan Rangana Rajapakse – ITN System Design
13. Primal Fernando – Silver Shore Holdings
14. Wijekoon – Dulux

Accordingly, Malik’s friends had gone to Thailand at the expense of taxpayers to the Sri Lankan government, enjoyed luxuries and returned. However, the companies that should definitely have been included had been dropped as they had not personal dealings with Malik. By now, 30 such companies have written to the presidential secretariat. The president has strongly criticized this authoritarian act by the international trade minister.

A few days ago, we posted an article which said that the president boycotted the ‘Sri Lanka Night’ that had to be held under his patronage during this tour. The president has ordered his secretaries to immediately inquire into both matters and report to him.

These businessmen had been taken to Thailand without the knowledge of the foreign affairs ministry either.

Representatives of nearly 90 Thai companies having trade relations with Sri Lankan companies had expected to meet their Sri Lankan counterparts, but the minister’s act had denied them the opportunity. BOI chairman advocate Upul Jayasuriya, EDB direct general Malwatte and SLTDA’s Paddy Withana had addressed the Thai businessmen.