Published in: English

Bribery allegation against Cabinet Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva

Author EDITOR

Published on: July 31, 2024

Description

In early July 2022, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged in Parliament that Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva had solicited a sum of Rs.200 million from the Japanese TaiSei company which is involved in a construction project in Bandaranaike International Airport. Both the Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and the Taisei Corporation denied the allegations.[i]

Later, through a report produced by a three-member committee appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, he was found not guilty and was reinstated in his ministerial portfolio.[ii]

Monetary value involved

Rs.200 million

What has been done

In early July 2022, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ordered an inquiry into the allegation, following which the Aviation Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva temporarily stepped down from the ministerial portfolio.[iii]

A complaint was filed at CIABOC by an individual.[iv]

Towards the end of July 2022, incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed a three-member committee to conduct an investigation into the same matter.[v]

TISL has filed two Right to Information (RTI) applications regarding this matter.

With the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation requesting the following information.

Certified copies of all agreements entered into between the Ministry and the Taisei Corporation during the period 2022.05.20- 2022.07.31.
Certified copies of all procurement committee meeting minutes where the Taisei Corporation was selected as the awardee for projects between 2020.01.01 – 2022.07.31.
Certified copy of the report of the three-member committee (chaired by Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, PC), appointed by H.E. the President Ranil Wickremesinghe on 2022.07.22.

Following the receipt of the information, TISL decided not to pursue the RTI Commission appeal.

With the Presidential Secretariat requesting a Certified copy of the report of the three-member committee (chaired by Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, PC), appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on 2022.07.22. The report was disclosed by the Presidential Secretariat to TISL in 2023.

What can be done