Lakshman Wasantha reverses decision after getting back Hingurana Distilleries
Jan 14, 2017
Plantation industries deputy minister Lakshman Wasantha Perera has changed his decision to get onto the platform of the ‘Peraliyaka Erambuma’ rally due to take place on January 27 in Nugegda, reports say. His change of heart comes after president Maithripala Sirisena intervened to resolve the problems at his Hingurana Distilleries company.
It was ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa who had given Lakshman the SLFP Matale organizer position and the candidacy to contest the elections. A wealthy businessman and lawyer, he also acquired Hingurana Distilleries during Mahinda’s rule. From the beginning, he described himself as a ‘Mahinda’s man.’
Accused over various irregularities, Hingurana Distilleries was sealed by the Excise Department in July 2015 on a charge of defrauding Rs. 27 million of tax money. Lakshman was connected to the ethanol racket that had been going on, on a massive scale during Mahinda’s period. However, the legal issues faced by Hingurana Distilleries have now been resolved thanks to president Sirisena’s intervention.
Changing his decision to link up with the Mahinda faction, Lakshman has told his friends, “I thought of leaving. But, the boss got my matter resolved. Why should I leave? The other thing is that I do not have to bribe them like in the past. After getting this during the Rajapaksa’s period, there was no end to paying bribes. Now, I am free of all those. I am better off now.”
Accused over various irregularities, Hingurana Distilleries was sealed by the Excise Department in July 2015 on a charge of defrauding Rs. 27 million of tax money. Lakshman was connected to the ethanol racket that had been going on, on a massive scale during Mahinda’s period. However, the legal issues faced by Hingurana Distilleries have now been resolved thanks to president Sirisena’s intervention.
Changing his decision to link up with the Mahinda faction, Lakshman has told his friends, “I thought of leaving. But, the boss got my matter resolved. Why should I leave? The other thing is that I do not have to bribe them like in the past. After getting this during the Rajapaksa’s period, there was no end to paying bribes. Now, I am free of all those. I am better off now.”
