Mahindananda's bank accounts to be probed

THURSDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 2016

Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya has ordered the CID to carry out a comprehensive investigation regarding an incident where former Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage had said to have illegally earned a large amount of money and assets by misappropriating state funds and assets. The Chief Magistrate ordered yesterday (24th) to get reports from local and foreign banks to help in the investigation.

The Chief Magistrate made this order when a complaint made to the CID by the convener of 'Voice Against Corruption'(VAC) JVP Member of North Central PC Wasantha Samarasinghe was taken up for inquiry.

The CID presented reports to Court stating the crime mentioned in the complaint could be tried under 'Money Laundering Act' and it has been revealed that former Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage had deposited money earned through illegal means in local and foreign banks and he has also bought a large number of lands and assets with the money.

The CID has stated that statements regarding the crime have been taken from 16 persons and sought permission to inspect accounts that are in Mahindananda Aluthgamage's name in local and foreign banks.

The Chief Magistrate giving permission for the CID to inspect bank accounts ordered the CID to report the progress of the investigations.