A dramatic press conference has shaken Sri Lanka’s political landscape as Lakshman and Chaminthrani Kirielle allege massive financial fraud, governance failures, and political interference at the highest levels of government.
At a high profile media briefing, former Member of Parliament Lakshman Kirielle and Member of Parliament Chaminthrani Kirielle launched a strong attack on what they described as widespread financial mismanagement and administrative breakdown within the current government. Highlighting what they called a pattern of escalating corruption in Sri Lanka, Lakshman Kirielle claimed that more than Rs. 10,000 million has gone missing from the National Development Bank, warning that the actual figure could climb to Rs. 20,000 million.
He further pointed to the ongoing coal procurement controversy, stating that the government has already incurred significant financial losses due to irregularities in that deal. However, he stressed that an even more alarming issue is the reported transfer of Rs. 800 million in taxpayer funds to a fraudulent account through the Ministry of Finance, describing it as a serious breach of financial accountability.
Kirielle alleged that such incidents are a direct result of appointing unsuitable individuals to key positions within the Ministry of Finance. He criticized the decision to appoint a former politician who had lived in Australia for nearly two decades, stating that the individual lacks experience in Sri Lanka’s administrative framework and legal system. According to him, given that the release of funds requires approval from multiple officials, such a transaction could not have occurred without systemic failure, placing responsibility on both the President and the Minister of Finance. He insisted that the relevant Secretary must resign immediately.
Reflecting on the Yahapalana administration, Kirielle argued that competent and impartial public officials played a vital role during that period. He noted that tax revenue from high level business sectors brought in approximately Rs. 800 billion annually, strengthening the Treasury to the extent that Rs. 1,000 million could be allocated for religious development in the Kandy District alone. He contrasted this with the current situation, stating that foreign reserves once stood at 7.8 billion dollars but were depleted, leading to economic collapse by 2022.
He also dismissed the effectiveness of presidential committees in probing large scale fraud, stating that only independent institutions such as the Criminal Investigation Department and the Attorney General’s Department can properly investigate such matters. Kirielle urged the public to avoid speculation on social media and to await legal proceedings, noting that a detailed report has already been submitted to court regarding a case involving a Member of Parliament from Kandy. He also warned that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly between the United States and Iran, could drive global oil prices higher, further impacting Sri Lanka’s economy.
Addressing the same press briefing, Chaminthrani Kirielle emphasized that under the Constitution, financial control lies with Parliament, yet the Committee on Public Finance has not been informed about the alleged fraud within the Ministry of Finance. She described this as a serious governance failure, especially given the government’s earlier pledge to depoliticise public institutions.
She criticized the appointment of politically connected individuals without relevant experience to senior roles, calling it a contradiction of the government’s reform promises. She stated that once Parliament reconvenes on May 5, the opposition will take firm action on the matter.
The MP also questioned the government’s credibility, pointing out the irony of earlier promises to recover hidden funds abroad while now appointing individuals from overseas backgrounds to key roles. She stressed that the transfer of billions in public funds to fraudulent accounts is a critical issue that cannot be ignored.
Representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, she concluded by calling for the immediate conduct of Local Government and Provincial Council elections, stating that her party will continue to push for democratic accountability and transparency.
